Method for making vibratory separator screens

ABSTRACT

A method for making a screen assembly for a vibratory separator, which, in certain aspects, includes placing a first layer of screening material below a glue application apparatus, and applying with the glue apparatus an amount of glue in a pattern to a portion of the first layer of screening material, unrolling part of a second layer from a second roll and positioning the part of the second layer adjacent part of the first layer to which glue has been applied, moving the part of the second layer and the part of the first layer between opposed rotatable spaced-apart rollers to press together the part of the second layer and the part of the first layer to form a pressed-together layer of first and second layers of screening material. In certain aspects hot glue is used and is cooled following application of the second layer on the first layer.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/454,722 filed on Dec. 4, 1999 now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/390,231 filed Sep. 3, 1999 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/276,267 filed Mar. 25, 1999 entitled Screen Apparatus For Vibratory Separator which is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/786,515 filed Jan. 21, 1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,159 which is a continuation in part of the following co-owned applications and patents: U.S. Ser. No. 29/048,57 filed Jan. 4, 1996 now U.S. Pat. No. D 377,656 which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 29/014,571 filed Oct. 25, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. D 366,040 issued on Jan. 9, 1996 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applications: Ser. No. 08/956,123 filed Apr. 30, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,669 issued on Jan. 31, 1995; and Ser. No. 08/105,696, filed Aug. 12, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,925 issued on Feb. 28, 1995; U.S. Ser. No. 08/504,495 filed Jul. 20, 1995 entitled “Shale Shaker Screen” issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,598,930 on Feb. 4, 1997; U.S. Ser. No. 08/598,566 filed Feb. 12, 1996 entitled “Screen For Vibrating Separator” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/220/101 filed Mar. 30, 1994 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,598 issued Feb. 13, 1996. This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/296,975 filed Apr. 22, 1999 entitled Shaker Screens & Methods of Use” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/228,572 filed Jan. 11, 1999 entitled “Vibratory Separator Screens” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/183,005 filed Oct. 30, 1998, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/090,554 filed Jun. 4, 1998 entitled “Vibratory Separator Screen” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/895,976 filed Jul. 17, 1997 entitled “Screen For Vibratory Shaker” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/786,515 filed Jan. 21, 1997 entitled “Screen For Shale Shaker” and of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/598,566 filed Feb. 12, 1996 entitled “Screen For Vibrating Separator.” U.S. application Ser. No. 08/786,515 is a continuation in part of the following co-owned applications and patents: U.S. Ser. No. 29/048,575 filed Jan. 4, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. D 377,656 issued Jan. 28, 1997 which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 29/014,571, now U.S. Pat. No. D 366,040 issued on Jan. 9, 1996 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applications: Ser. No. 08/056,123 filed Apr. 30, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,669 issued on Jan 31, 1995; and Ser. No. 08/105,696 filed Aug. 12, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,392,925 issued on Feb. 28, 1995; U.S. Ser. No. 08/504,495 filed Jul. 20, 1995 entitled “Shale Shaker Screen;” U.S. Ser. No. 08/598,566 filed Feb. 12, 1996 entitled “Screen For Vibrating Separator” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/220,101 filed Mar. 30, 1994 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,598 issued Feb. 13, 1996. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 29/102,627 filed Mar. 29, 1999 which is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/183,003 filed Oct. 30, 1998 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/090,554 filed Jun. 4, 1998. All of these related applications and patents are incorporated herein in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to vibratory screens, to filtering screens, to such screens that are generally flat or that are not flat, to devices with such screens, and to shale shakers with such screens, and to shakers for separating particles.

2. Description of Related Art

The need for solids control in drilling mud used in hydrocarbon well drilling is well known in the prior art. Drilling mud, typically a mixture of clay and water and various additives, is pumped down through a hollow drill string (pipe, drill collar, bit, etc.) into a well being drilled and exits through holes in a drillbit. The mud picks up cuttings (rock) and other solids from the well and carries them upwardly away from the bit and out of the well in a space between the well walls and the drill string. At the top of the well, the solids-laden mud is discharged over a shale shaker, a device which typically has a series of screens arranged in tiered or flat disposition with respect to each other. The prior art discloses a wide variety of vibrating screens, devices which use them, shale shakers, and screens for shale shakers. The screens catch and remove solids from the mud as the mud passes through them. If drilled solids are not removed from the mud used during the drilling operation, recirculation of the drilled solids can create weight, viscosity, and gel problems in the mud, as well as increasing wear on mud pumps and other mechanical equipment used for drilling.

In some shale shakers a fine screen cloth is used with the vibrating screen. The screen may have two or more overlying layers of screen cloth. The prior art discloses that the layers may be bonded together; and that a support, supports, or a perforated or apertured plate may be used beneath the screen or screens. The frame of the vibrating screen is resiliently suspended or mounted upon a support and is caused to vibrate by a vibrating mechanism, e.g. an unbalanced weight on a rotating shaft connected to the frame. Each screen may be vibrated by vibratory equipment to create a flow of trapped solids on top surfaces of the screen for removal and disposal of solids. The fineness or coarseness of the mesh of a screen may vary depending upon mud flow rate and the size of the solids to be removed.

Many screens used with shale shakers are flat or nearly flat (i.e. substantially two-dimensional). Other screens, due to corrugated, depressed, or raised surfaces are three-dimensional. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,417,793; 5,417,858; and 5,417,859 disclose non-flat screens for use with shale shakers. These screens have a lower planar apertured plate with a multiplicity of spaced-apart apertures or openings therethrough. Undersides of troughs of undulating screening material are bonded to the apertured plate. Such screens present a variety of problems, deficiencies, and disadvantages, including: decreased flow area due to area occluded by solid parts of the apertured plate; necessity to either purchase relatively expensive apertured plate or provide for in-house perforating of a solid plate; plate weight increases wear on parts such as rubber screen supports or cushions and can inhibit required vibration; large plate surface area requires relatively large amount of bonding means for bonding screens to the plate; and a finished screen which is relatively heavy increases handling problems, hazards, and cost of shipping.

Vibrating screens have been employed for many years to separate particles in a wide array of industrial applications. One common application of vibrating screens is in drilling operations to separate particles suspended in drilling fluids. The screens are generally flat and are mounted generally horizontally on a vibrating mechanism or shaker that imparts either a rapidly reciprocating linear, elliptical or circular motion to the screen. Material from which particles are to be separated is poured onto a back end of the vibrating screen, usually from a pan mounted above the screen. The material generally flows toward the front end of the screen. Large particles are unable to move through the screen remaining on top of the screen and moving toward the front of the screen where they are collected. The smaller particles and fluid flows through the screen and collects in a pan beneath the screen.

A vibrating screen may be formed from one or more layers of wire mesh. Wire mesh is generally described with reference to the diameter of the wires from which it is woven, the number wires per unit length (called a mesh count) and the shape or size of the openings between wires. Wire mesh comes in various grades. “Market” grade mesh generally has wires of relative large diameter. “Mill” grade has comparatively smaller diameter wires and “bolting cloth” has the smallest diameter wire. The type of mesh chosen depends on the application. Smaller diameter wires have less surface and thus less drag, resulting in greater flow rates. Smaller diameter wires also result, for a given opening size, in a larger percentage of open area over the total area of the screen, thus allowing greater flow rates and increased capacity. However, screens of bolting cloth tears more easily than market or mill grade screens, especially when used in harsh conditions such as drilling and mining operations. The smaller diameter wires tend to have less tensile strength and break more easily, and the finer mesh also tends not to retain its shape well.

Most meshes suffer from what is termed as “near sized particle blinding. During vibration, wires separate enough to allow particles of substantially the same size or slightly larger than the openings to fall between the wires and become lodged, thus “blinding” the openings of the screen and reducing capacity of the screen. If a particle becomes lodged when the wires are at a maximum distance apart, it is almost impossible to dislodge the particle. Sometimes, however, wires will subsequently separate further to release the lodged particle. Unfortunately, some wire mesh, especially bolting cloth, is tensioned. Tensioning restricts movement of the wires. Restricting movement assists in holding the shape of the wire mesh, keeping the size of the openings consistent to create a more consistent or finer “cutting point” and reducing abrasion from wires rubbing against each other. However, restricted movement of the wires reduces the probability that, once a near sized particle becomes stuck, the wires will subsequently separate to allow the particle to pass. Use of smaller diameter wires, with smaller profiles, helps to reduce blinding. With a smaller diameter wire, a particle is less likely to become lodged midway through the opening.

Multiple layers of mesh may be used to alleviate blinding. U.S. Pat. No. 4,033,865, describes layering two meshes in a manner that results in at least one wire of the lower of the two meshes bisecting each opening in the upper mesh. The openings in each mesh are at least twice as wide as the diameters of the wires and the lower mesh has openings the same size as or slightly larger than the openings in the upper mesh. The lower mesh, when held tightly against the upper mesh, prevents particles from migrating far enough into an opening in the upper mesh to be trapped. Some relative movement of the layers also helps to dislodge particles caught in the upper layer. The two-layer arrangement has the further benefit of a finer “cutting point,” allowing smaller particles to be separated out. A third “backing” layer of relatively coarse, mill grade mesh is often used to carry most of the load on the screen and to increase the tensile strength of the screen.

Another problem faced in most applications is the tearing of the screen. The problem can be especially acute in heavy duty applications such as drilling and mining. A torn screen must be replaced or repaired. To facilitate repair, the screen layers are bonded to a rigid or semi-rigid support panel that has a pattern of large openings, forming on the screen a plurality of small cells of wire mesh. When a tear occurs in the screen, the mesh remaining within the cell in which the tear occurred is cut out and the cell is plugged. The capacity of the screen is diminished but its life is extended. Typically, several cells of a screen can be repaired before its capacity drops far enough to require replacement. Unfortunately, bonding the screen to the support panel further restricts relative movement of the layers and the wires in each mesh layer, thus compounding the problem of blinding.

Blinding and tearing of the screens reduce the capacity of the screen continually through its useful life. Although capacity can be increased by increasing the total area the screens, the size of the screen is limited in most applications, such as on drilling rigs, especially those on offshore platforms. There has thus been generally a trade-off between capacity, longevity, repairability and resistance to blinding of the screens.

There is a need for a supported (either non-flat or flat) screen which is consumable, efficient and cost-effective, yet readily and inexpensively made, easy to handle, and relatively inexpensive to transport.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention discloses, in certain embodiments, a screen for vibrating screen apparatus. The screen has one or more upper layers of screen, screen cloth, and/or mesh. If more than one layer is used, they may be bonded together at discrete points, at discrete areas, or over their entire surface. The layer or layers are mounted on frame apparatus which may include a id side support on each of two spaced apart sides of the layer(s), or may include a full four sided screen frame. A strip or strips of support material (e.g. flat steel, aluminum or plastic strips—of any width, but in certain preferred embodiments ranging between a half inch to three inches in width; and of any thickness, but in certain preferred embodiments ranging between one-thirty second and one-eighth inches thick, or rods of these materials with a diameter between one-thirty second and one-eighth inches; any screen may use strips made from different materials, e.g. cross-strips of plastic and end strips of steel, or vice versa) are secured across two or more frame sides. With respect to a two sided frame wherein the two sides are parallel and spaced apart, a strip or strips may be, according to this invention, disposed parallel to the two sides; and, if more than one strip is used, spaced apart across the area of the layer or layers. It is also within the scope of this invention to use a strip or strips which are disposed in a manner non-parallel to the two sides. In one aspect such non-parallel strips may extend diagonally from one end of one side of the frame, across the layer or layers, to a diagonally opposite end of the other side. In another aspect such a strip may extend from any point of a frame side to any point on a non-framed side of the layer or layers. Any such strip (or rod) may be bonded, sintered, welded or otherwise secured (herein referred to collectivley as “bonded”) at any point to the layer or layers; at substantially every point of contact between the strip(s) and the layer(s); or at selected intermediate contact points.

In certain embodiments a screen assembly for a vibratory separator is provided that has a corrugated support plate having a plurality of alternating raised portions and lower portions, the corrugated support plate having a plurality of spaced apart openings therethrough, a screen frame with a first pair of spaced apart first sides and a second pair of spaced apart second sides, the first sides spaced apart by the second sides and connected thereto, the frame having a plurality of spaced apart support strips extending beneath the corrugated support plate, each support strip independent of and not connected to the other support strips along its length, each support strip having two spaced apart ends each connected to a spaced apart side of the frame and to which the corrugated support plate is secured. Such a screen assembly may, optionally, have at least one projecting portion on each support strip for reception within a raised portion of the corrugated support plate, and screening material on the corrugated support plate.

In certain embodiments such a strip (or strips) is used with an undulating three-dimensional layer or layers of screen, screen cloth, screen mesh, or some combination thereof (either non-bonded layers or bonded layers if multiple layers are present). If the undulating layer(s) present certain downwardly projecting areas, e.g. troughs between valleys, some or all of the troughs may, within the scope of this invention, be bonded to the strip(s) or portions thereof, and all or only a portion of a trough may be bonded to the strip(s).

Certain prior art shaker screens have a frame side with an in-turned edge w facilitates hooking of the screen, e.g. to a vibrating basket. In one embodiment of the present invention a strip as described above extending between two frame sides also extends into and becomes this in-turned hooked edge. In another aspect a strip is secured to a portion of a hook. To inhibit or prevent fluid leakage at the hook/strip interface, a steel strip may be welded to a metal hook (or a non-metal strip may be bonded to a metal or non-metal hook). In one aspect typical frame sides are not used and only a series of strips with hook edges support the screening material and provide for its mounting to a shale shaker.

In other embodiments in which two frame sides are used, a support strips at opposite ends of the frame sides may also serve as end members across the layer(s) ends which do not have frame sides. In one aspect such strips are emplaced at the leading and trailing edges of the layers.

In embodiments of this invention in which the layer (or layers) are non-flat (e.g. undulating) and there is some sort of extended depressed or lower areas on or across the layers which provide a generally lower path for fluid moving on part of or all the way across a screen, the strip or strips according to this invention may be placed beneath the layer or layers at any desired angle to the direction of flow of the fluid across the screen. Also, in those cases in which the entire screen surface has undulations in a same general direction, the screen may be disposed so that fluid flows across the screen either generally in the same direction as the undulations or transverse to such a direction. In either case, a strip or strips beneath the layer(s) may be in the direction of flow or transverse to it.

In one aspect the strips (or rods) described above have one or more projecting portions formed integrally thereof or secured thereto which project into troughs or areas of the layer(s). Such projecting portions may be shaped and configured to mate with the shape of a hill, valley, trough or indented area; may be bonded to the layer(s) at such areas; may be bonded only to the sides of such areas and not to the uppermost portion of a top portion thereof; or may be adjacent such areas without bonding thereto. If there is a series of parallel troughs or a plurality of adjacent indented areas, such projections may be provided in all such troughs or areas; in only on such trough or area; in troughs or areas only adjacent frame sides; or in only middle troughs or areas. It is within the scope of this invention in embodiments in which the screen has a series of parallel troughs, to use alternating flat strips and strips with one or more projections as described above. It is also within the scope of this invention to use non-flat strips which have a shape that corresponds to the series of troughs, e.g. with undulating layer(s), a corresponding undulating strip is used. Such strips may be used instead of or in combination with flat strips as previously described. Any strip herein may have holes through it to facilitate fluid flow. In one aspect any strip, combination of strips, or pattern of strips disclosed herein may be used with a generally flat (“two-dimensional”) screen. In any screen disclosed herein the screening material may be sintered to itself, individual screen wires may be sintered to each other, one or more layers of screen material, cloth, mesh, or screen may be sintered to each other; and any screen material may be sintered to any strip disclosed herein, either entirely along its length or at selected points or areas therealong.

The present invention, in one embodiment includes a shale shaker with a frame; a “basket” or screen mounting apparatus; one or more screens as described above and below; and basket vibrating apparatus.

It is within the scope of this invention to provide a screen as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,417,793; 5,417,858; and 5,417,859, but to delete the apertured plate required by these patents and to use instead a coarse mesh or a coarse flexible mesh. In certain preferred embodiments this mesh ranges in size between a 1 mesh to a 3 mesh, with a 2 mesh used in one particular embodiment. It is within the scope of this invention to use any strip, combination of strips, strip member, or pattern of strips in place of the apertured plate required by the three listed patents. It is within the scope of this invention to use any strip or strips disclosed herein in- combination with the apertured plate required by the three listed patents.

The invention, in certain embodiments, discloses a screen for a vibrating separator or shaker that has increased capacity without an increase in overall dimensions. It furthermore accommodates desirable attributes such as resistance to blinding, repairability and longevity. The screen, substantially horizontal when placed on a separator for operation, is formed from one or more layers of mesh. The one or more layers of mesh are formed into an alternating series of ridges and channels lying substantially within the plane of the screen. The ridges increase the surface area of the screen without increasing the overall dimensions of the screen, thus improving flow capacity. Additionally, particles tend to drop into the channels, leaving the tops of the ridges exposed to fluids for relatively unimpeded flow through the screen that further improves flow rates. Furthermore, the ridges and channels tend to assist in evenly distributing separated particles across the screen. Uneven distribution, due to for example rolling of the screen from side to side when used on offshore platforms, degrades flow capacity of the screen.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the wire mesh is bonded to a rigid or semi-rigid panel having an array of openings that are very large as compared to those of the mesh. The support panel is formed with or bent into a series of alternating ridges and channels to create the ridges and channels in the wire mesh when it is bonded to the panel. The openings in the panel create, in effect, a plurality of individual screen cells when the wire mesh is bonded to the panel around each opening. When a portion of wire mesh fails or is torn within a cell, the screen is repaired by cutting the remaining mesh from the cell opening and plugging the cell opening with a solid piece of material.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the ridges and channels of the panel have substantially flat surfaces on which the openings are located. A substantially planar opening allows a flat plug to be inserted into the opening for improved fit and sealing. The plug is preferably formed with an edge that facilitates insertion into opening and into which the edge of the cell opening snugly fits, making a repair quick and easy.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the ridges have a generally triangular cross section. In a preferred embodiment, the ridges are formed from two surfaces in a triangular configuration and the channel is formed from a flat bottom surface extending between the ridges. This geometry tends to maximize effective or useful surface area of the screen, especially if flat surfaces are used on the ridge to facilitate repair. During normal operation of the separator or shaker, most of the particles fall into the channel and the material to be separated tends to flow through the screen along the sides of the ridges and the bottom of the channel. A generally triangular configuration of the ridge tends to expose greater screen area to the flow and to minimize the amount of area on top of the ridge that tends not to be exposed to material flow.

In another aspect a screen according to the present invention has a lower perforated corrugated plate with a plurality of triangular apertures or openings forming the perforations through the plate. In one aspect the triangles are congruent, of similar size, and are arrayed side-to-side across the plate. In certain aspects when a corrugated plate is used, no plastic grid is placed or used between screens or meshes or between a plate and screening material. The mesh, meshes, screen, screens, or screening material(s) are secured on the plate directly with the use of adhesive on the plate, e.g. but not limited to powder adhesive, without the use of a plastic or adhesive grid. Alternatively such a grid may be used. In certain aspects in which a corrugated perforated plate is used, the screen, mesh or screening material does not contact a strip or multiple strips disposed beneath the plate. In one aspect a corrugated perforated plate is secured to a frame comprised of sides. In another aspect strips as described herein are used with such a frame for certain embodiments. In such a device screening material or mesh secured to the corrugated perforated plate does not contact or bond to the strip/frame assembly.

The present invention discloses, in certain aspects, methods for making screens and screen assemblies as disclosed herein for a vibratory separator, the method including placing at least two layers (in some cases two, three or four layers) of screening material adjacent one another one on top of the other, introducing an amount of glue to the at least two layers of screening material for adhering at least portions of them together, the amount of glue introduced to the at least two layers of screening material from a roller with a patterned surface thereon so that the amount of glue is introduced to the at least two layers of screening material in a pattern corresponding to a pattern of the patterned surface of the roller, the roller rotatably mounted adjacent the screening material. In certain aspects, grooves or recesses are provided in the raised portions or areas of the pattern rollers to create a raised bead of glue.

It is, therefore, an object of at least certain preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide:

New, useful, unique, efficient, non-obvious methods for making screens and screen assemblies; screen assemblies; screen assemblies with one or more lower coarse screen members and one or more upper fine screen members; such screens with one or more bottom strip members, support strips or rods; such screen assemblies in which screening material of adjacent screens is fused together with plastic; and shale shakers or vibratory separators with any such screen assemblies;

Such screens or screen assemblies made with a gluing system that has a pattern roller for creating a desired pattern of glue on a screen or mesh, or combination thereof and which overcome the problems, limitations and disadvantages of prior art screens;

Such a screen or screen assembly with a top most coarse screen or coarse screen portion; and

A shale shaker or vibratory separator with one or more such screens or screen assemblies.

The present invention recognizes and addresses the previously-mentioned problems and long-felt needs and provides a solution to those problems and a satisfactory meeting of those needs in its various possible embodiments and equivalents thereof. To one of skill in this art who has the benefits of this invention's realizations, teachings, disclosures, and suggestions, other purposes and advantages will be appreciated from the following description of preferred embodiments, given for the purpose of disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detail in these descriptions is not intended to thwart this patent's object to claim this invention no matter how others may later disguise it by variations in form or additions of further improvements.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description of embodiments of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by references to the embodiments which are shown in the drawings which form a part of this specification. These drawings illustrate certain preferred embodiments and are not to be used to improperly limit the scope of the invention which may have other equally effective or equivalent embodiments.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a side view of the screen of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is an end view of the screen of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a bottom view of the screen of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a top view of a screen according to the present invention. FIG. 2B is a side view of the screen of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C is a bottom view of the screen of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an bottom view of a screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a top view of a screen according to the present invention. FIG. 7B is a bottom view of the screen of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is an end view of the screen of FIG. 7A. FIG. 7D is a side view of the screen of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a bottom view of part of a screen with cross strips according to the present invention. FIG. 8B is an end view of part of the screen of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C is an end view of part of the screen of FIG. 8B.

FIG. 9 is an end cross-sectional view of a strip for use in the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an end cross-sectional view of a strip for use in the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an end cross-sectional view of a strip for use in the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an end view of a screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an end view of a screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a shale shaker according to the present invention.

FIG. 15A is a bottom view of a screen according to the present invention. FIG. 15B is a side view of the screen of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 16A is a top view of a support strip according to the present invention. FIG. 16B is a side view of the support strip of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17A is a top view of a support strip according to the present invention. FIG. 17B is a side view of the support strip of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a side view of the screen of the FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a side view opposite the side of FIG. 20 of the screen of FIG. 1.

FIG. 22 is an end view of the screen of FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is an end view of an end opposite the end of FIG. 22 of the screen of FIG. 19.

FIG. 24 is a top view of the screen of FIG. 19.

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of a screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a top view of the screen of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the screen of FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 is a side view of one side of the screen of FIG. 26.

FIG. 30 is a side view of another side of the screen of FIG. 26 opposite the side shown in FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is an end view of the screen of FIG. 26.

FIG. 32 is another end view of the screen of FIG. 26 opposite the end shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a top view of the screen of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a side view of one side of the screen of FIG. 33.

FIG. 36 is a side view of another side of the screen of FIG. 33.

FIG. 37 is an end view of the screen of FIG. 33.

FIG. 38 is another end view of the screen of FIG. 33 opposite the end shown in FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 is an end view of a screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 40 is a plan view of the screen of FIG. 39.

FIG. 41 is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 42 is an end view of the screen of FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a portion of a screen like that of FIGS. 41 and 42.

FIG. 44 is a top plan view of a plug for repairing the screen of FIG. 43.

FIG. 45 is a cross-section of the plug of FIG. 44, taken a long section line 45—45.

FIG. 46 is an end view of a portion of an end view screen like that of FIG. 43 mounted to basket of a shaker, showing a latching mechanism for securing the screen to the shaker.

FIG. 47 is an end view of the screen illustrated in FIG. 39.

FIGS. 48 and 49 are end views of screens.

FIG. 50 is an end view of a plug according to this invention.

FIG. 51A is a top view of a screen frame according to the present invention. FIG. 51B is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 51A. FIG. 51C is an end view of a strip of the screen frame of FIG. 51A.

FIG. 52 is an alternative strip interlocking structure for a screen frame as in FIG. 51A.

FIG. 53 is an alternative strip interlocking structure for a screen frame as in FIG. 51A.

FIGS. 54 and 55 are top views of a portion of a plate.

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a screen according to the present invention. FIG. 57 is an enlarged portion of part of the screen of FIG. 56.

FIGS. 58-62 present end views of corrugated perforated plates according to the present invention which structure may also be used for strips according to the present invention.

FIG. 63A is a schematic view of a prior art system. FIG. 63B is a schematic view of a system according to the present invention.

FIG. 64A is a top view of a panel according to the present invention for a screen assembly.

FIG. 64B is a front side view, and FIG. 64C is a left end view (as in FIG. 64A) of the panel of FIG. 64A. The back side view is like the view of FIG. 64B. The right end view is like the view of FIG. 64C.

FIG. 64D is a bottom view, FIG. 64E is a top view, and FIG. 64F is an exploded view of the screen assembly of FIG. 64E. FIGS. 64G-64P are top views of panels according to the present invention.

FIGS. 65A and 65D-H are perspective views of screen assemblies according to the present invention. FIG. 65B is a top view and FIG. 65C is an end view of the screen assembly of FIG. 65A.

FIG. 66A is a perspective view of a screen assembly according to the present invention. FIG. 66C is a top view, FIG. 66D is an end view, and FIG. 66B is an enlarged view of a portion (shown outlined in FIG. 66C) of the screen assembly of FIG. 66A.

FIG. 67A is a perspective view of a screen assembly according to the present invention. FIG. 67C is a top view, FIG. 67D is an end view, and FIG. 67B is an enlarged view of a portion (shown outlined in FIG. 67C) of the screen assembly of FIG. 67A. FIG. 67E is a bottom view of the screen of FIG. 67A.

FIG. 68A is a perspective view of a screen assembly according to the present invention. FIG. 68C is a top view, FIG. 68D is an end view, and FIG. 68B is an enlarged view of a portion (shown outlined in FIG. 68C) of the screen assembly of FIG. 68A.

FIG. 69A is a perspective view of a screen assembly according to the present invention. FIG. 69B is a top view of the screen of FIG. 69A. FIGS. 69C-69E present variations, in top view, of the screen assembly of FIG. 69A.

FIG. 70 is a perspective view of a screen assembly according to the present invention.

FIGS. 71-80 show designs of a screen according to the present invention.

FIGS. 81 and 82 are schematic views of apparatus according to the present invention for methods according to the present invention to make a screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 83 is a side view of a roller apparatus for apparatus as in FIGS. 81 or 82.

FIG. 84A is an enlarged front view of part of a pattern roller for apparatus as in FIG. 81. FIG. 84B shows a glue bead in crosssection according to the present invention.

FIG. 85A is an end view of a pattern roller according to the present invention. FIG. 85B is a side view of the roller of FIG. 85A.

FIG. 86A is an end view of a pattern roller according to the present invention. FIG. 86B is a side view of the roller of FIG. 86A.

FIG. 87 and 88 are side views of pattern rollers according to the present invention.

FIG. 89 is a top view of a screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 90 is a top view, partially cut-away, of a screen according to the present invention.

FIG. 91 is a side view of a pattern roller according to the present invention.

FIG. 92 is a side schematic view of a system according to the present invention.

FIG. 93A is a top schematic view of part of a system as in FIG. 92. FIG. 93B is a top schematic view of a system according to the present invention.

FIG. 94 is a top schematic view of a system according to the present invention.

FIG. 95 is a top schematic view of a system according to the present invention.

FIG. 96 is a top schematic view of a system according to the present invention.

FIGS. 97A-97D are top views of glue patterns applied by a system according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS PREFERRED AT THE TIME OF FILING FOR THIS PATENT

FIG. 1A shows a screen 10 according to the present invention with a frame with two sides 12 and 14 with strips 20 extending between the two sides 12 and 14; and screen material 16 on the strips 20 and connected to the sides 12 and 14. Screen material 16 (and any other screen or screening material disclosed herein) represents any known mesh, screen, or screens, used in any combination, bonded together or unbonded. The screen material 16 as shown is “three-dimensional,” i.e., not generally flat and has undulating portions with hills 22 (as seen in FIGS. 1A-1C) and valleys 24. (It is within the scope of this invention for the screening material 16 and any other screening material herein to be generally flat.)

Plugs 26 may plug ends of the hills 22. Incorporated fully herein by reference is the disclosure of co-owned pending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/282,983 filed on Jul. 29, 1994 entitled “Shale Shaker Screens” which discloses three-dimensional screens with plugged ends.

In the screen 10 each bottom part 28 of a valley 24 is glued with adhesive, e.g. but not limited to epoxy, to the cross strips where the strips 20 run under the screen material 16. The frame sides 12 and 14 have, optionally, a hook portion 30 which facilitates screen mounting in certain shale shakers.

As shown in FIG. 1A the valleys 24 and hills 22 run generally parallel to the frame sides 12 and 14 and, when the screen 10 is mounted in a shale shaker, the direction of flow of drilling fluid (indicated by the arrow labelled “FLOW”) is generally the same as the direction in which the valleys 24 and the hills 22 run.

FIG. 2A shows a screen 30 according to the present invention which as frame sides 32 and 34 between which is mounted undulating screen material 31. Any strip or strip combination disclosed herein may be used on the screen 30 below the screen material 31. The screen material 31 has hilltops 36 and valleys 38 which are generally perpendicular to the frame sides 32 and 34 and run across the screen 30 from one side 32 to the other side 34. When mounted on a shale shaker the direction of flow of drilling fluid across the screen 30 (as shown by the arrow labelled “FLOW”) is at right angles to the general direction of the hills and valley. In one embodiment the strips are aligned with the direction of the valleys and, in another embodiment, there is a strip or rod under each valley. Instead of a strip or strips beneath the screen material 31, an apertured plate (which is not an equivalent of a rod or strip or of a series of strips) may be used.

FIGS. 3-6 show alternative configurations of bottom support strip combinations which may be used with any screen disclosed herein. The screening material may be any embodiment as disclosed herein. FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a screen 40 with screening material 41 between frame sides 46 and 47 and a bottom support structure with cross strips 42 (like the previously described strips) and end strips 44 and 45 (which are like previously described strips but are at ends of the screening material 41).

FIG. 4 shows a screen 50 according to the present invention with screening material 51 between frame sides 52, 53, 54, and 55 and cross strips 56.

FIG. 5 illustrates a screen 60 with screening material 61 between frame sides 62 and 63 with end strips 64 and 65 and diagonal cross strips 66. It is within the scope of this invention to use strips that are not full diagonals, but extend from any point on a first frame side to any point on a second frame side or strip which second frame side or strip is at a right angle to the first frame side.

FIG. 6 illustrates a screen 70 with screening material 71 between frame sides 72 and 73 with cross strips 74, cross strips 75 and end strips 76.

FIG. 7A shows a screen 80 with frame sides 82 and 83 between which is secured screening material 81. The frame sides include hooks 84. A bottom support 85 is a rigid metal sheet with a plurality of openings therethrough. The screening material 81 is undulating with hilltops 86 and valleys 87. The screen 80 is emplaced in a shale shaker so that the direction of flow of drilling fluid across the screen (as shown by arrow labelled “FLOW”) transverse to the general direction of the hills and valleys. A support strip or strips as disclosed herein may be used with this screen.

An opening 88 at the end of each undulating section of the screening material 81 may be closed off by initially applying an excess of screening material 81 so that a portion thereof extends beyond what will be the final outer boundary of the screening material. The excess portion is cut, folded back over the opening to close it off, and then secured in place with adhesive or welding.

FIG. 8A shows a bottom strip support assembly 90 for a screen according to the present invention. A plurality of strips 91 extend between and are secured to frame sides 92 and 93. as shown in FIG. 8B, a strip 91 is welded along a line 94 to a part of a screen hook 95. The weld is sized and configured to prevent leakage at the hook/strip interface. A sleeve 96 made of galvanized metal encases the hook for added strength and protection.

In certain embodiments of a screen as in FIG. 8A, the strips 91 are between one-thirty second and one-eighth inches thick and about forty-five and a half inches long; the frame sides 92, 93 are about thirty six inches long; the strips 91 are made from galvanized steel; the frame sides 92, 93 are made from 20 gauge galvanized steel; and the sleeve 96 is made from galvanized steel.

FIG. 9 illustrates a screen support strip 100 with hilltops 101 and valleys 102 for corresponding to similar hills and valleys in a screen or screening material to which the strip is applied.

FIG. 10 illustrates a screen support strip 110 according to the present invention which has a bottom flat strip 111 and an undulating strip 112 fixed to the bottom flat strip 111. The undulating strip 112 has hilltops 113 and valleys 114 for corresponding to a screen or screening material with similar hills and valleys.

FIG. 11 illustrates a screen support strip 120 like the screen support strip 110, but with fewer projecting portions 125 so that when a screen with multiple troughs or indentations is supported by the strip 120, only every other trough or indentation in the screen (or screening material) will have a projecting portion 125 therein. It is within the scope of this invention to select any particular trough, plurality of troughs, or pattern of troughs or indentations to have a projection support portion therein. The screen support 120 has a lower strip 121 and the upper projecting portions 125, which may also be strips.

FIG. 12 illustrates a screen 130 according to the present invention with screening material 131 (which may be any screen or screening material disclosed herein) supported by a support strip 132. The support strip 132 has a bottom strip 133 and an undulating strip 134 secured thereto. The screening material 131 may rest on the undulating strip 134 or some or all of the undulating strip 134 may be bonded to the screening material.

FIG. 13 illustrates a screen 140 according to the present invention which has screening material 141 (which may be any screen or screening material disclosed herein) supported by a support strip 142. The support strip 142 has a lower strip 143 and projecting strip portions 144 secured to the lower strip 143. The projecting strip portions 144 project up into hills formed in the screening material 141. In any embodiment of this invention in which part of a support strip projects up into a raised part of a screen, the projecting strip may be connected to, adhesively bonded to, or welded to the screen at any selected point, line, points, or lines in the raised screen part. As shown in FIG. 13, the projecting strip portions are not bonded to, connected to or welded to the tops 145 of screening material 141; nor are they bonded to, welded to, or connected to lower portions 146 of the raised parts of the screening material 141. Alternatively the projecting strip portions 144 may be bonded to, connected to, or welded to only the tops 145 of the raised parts of the screening material; and/or to the lower portions 146.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a shale shaker 210 according to the present invention has a screen 220 (with screen or screening cloth or mesh as desired) according to the present invention mounted on vibratable screen mounting apparatus or “basket” 212. The screen 220 may be any screen disclosed herein or have nay combination of any feature or features of any screen or screen part disclosed herein; and any such screen may be used with any appropriate shaker or screening apparatus. The basket 212 is mounted on springs 214 (only two shown; two as shown are on the opposite side) which are supported from a frame 216. The basket 212 is vibrated by a motor 202 and interconnected vibrating apparatus 218 which is mounted on the basket 212 for vibrating the basket and the screens. Elevator apparatus 208 provides for raising and lowering of the basket end. The screen 220 may be any screen disclosed herein.

FIG. 15A shows a screen 250 like the screen in FIG. 1D, but without any frame sides. The screen 250 has a plurality of bottom support strips 252, each of which has two upper in-turned edges formed into a mounting hook 254. Undulating screening material 256 is bonded to the strips 252.

FIG. 16A shows a support strip 260 according to the present invention, with an upper projecting strip 264 secured to a lower strip 262. The upper projecting strip 264 is narrower in width than the lower strip 262. Any of the previously described strips with a projecting upper strip and a lower strip may have an upper strip that is narrower in width than the lower strip.

FIG. 17A discloses a support strip 270 with a lower strip 272 and an upper strip 274 secured to the lower strip 272. A series of openings 276 is provided through the lower strip 272 to facilitate fluid flow. A series of openings 278 is provided through the upper strip 274. Any strip or rod disclosed herein may have, in certain embodiments, holes therethrough to promote fluid flow. Any strip or rod disclosed herein with an upper projecting portion and a lower strip or rod may have holes in the upper strip or rod, the lower strip or rod, or both to promote fluid flow.

FIG. 18 discloses an improvement to screens with upper screening material and a lower rigid perforated metal sheet or apertured plate, including but not limited to improvements for screens as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,417,793; 5,417,858; and 5,417,859. A screen 280 with screening material 281 has a lower apertured plate 282 (as disclosed, e.g., in the three listed patents). Upper projecting strips 284 are secured to the lower apertured plate 282. The upper projecting strips 284 may or may not be bonded to the screening material 281 and may or may not have holes therethrough. The screening material may be bonded to itself, and/or to any apertured plate, strip, or rod. Any upper projecting rod, strip, combination of strips or rods, or pattern of strips or rods disclosed herein may be used with screens with a lower apertured plate, including but not limited to those disclosed in the three listed patents.

FIGS. 19-38 present various screen designs according to the present invention and various views thereof.

In the following description, like numbers refer to like parts. Referring to FIGS. 39, 40, and 47 vibrating screen 700 includes a first layer 702 of wire mesh web and a second layer 704 of wire mesh web. Preferably, the first mesh layer is made from a web of bolting cloth grade wire mesh. The second mesh layer is a backing mesh. The first and the second mesh layers are supported on frame 706. The frame is formed to create a plurality of ridges 708 running the length of the screen 700, defining therebetween a plurality of channels 710. Channels run the length of the screen 700 from the back end of the screen to its front end 712. Attached to each side of the screen are hook straps 714. Each hook strap is bonded to the frame 708 and mesh layers 702. Steel straps 716 laterally tension the first and second mesh layers to maintain in the surface of the screen the channels and ridges.

The screen is secured to a shaker in a well known manner by hooking around the hookstraps and tightening rails disposed along the edges of the basket of a shaker (not shown). A series of stringers below the screen (not shown) cause the screen to bow as the rails pivot downwardly as they are tightened.

During operation, material containing solids to be separated is poured onto the back of the screen. Solids tend to collect in the channels and move toward the front end of the screen when the screen is vibrated. Fluid and particles smaller than the openings in the layer of mesh flow through the mesh along the sides of ridges 708 and the bottoms of channels 710.

Referring now to FIGS. 41 and 42, in an alternate embodiment of screen 100, a first layer of wire mesh 402, a second layer of wire mesh 404 and a third layer of wire mesh 405 (the wire meshes are shown only in FIG. 42 exploded away from panel 302) are bonded to panel 302 to form screen 400. The first and second layers are a bolting cloth grade wire mesh. The third layer 405 is a mill grade or market grade wire mesh supporting the first and second layers. The panel is formed from a sheet of metal by punching or cutting an array of elongated, rectangular openings 304 into the sheet of metal according to a predetermined pattern. The openings have uniform size and shape. The sheet is then bent with a press or rolled into a corrugated configuration substantially as shown in FIG. 42. The corrugated configuration is comprised of alternating series of triangular shaped ridges 306 and flat bottom channels 308. Each triangular ridge 308 has two substantially flat side surfaces separated by a narrow peak 309.

Along each end of the panel is bonded a frame 310. Frame 310 is contoured to fit and provide support for the ridges 306. The screen is formed so that its side edges run along the peak of a ridge 306. Terminating the sides of the screen along a ridge helps to prevent material from falling between the screen and the inside wall of a shaker basket (not shown) over which the screen is placed.

Although other ridge geometries having flat surfaces may be used, the triangular configuration of the ridges and the flat bottom of the channels tend to maximize effective flat surface area for placement of the openings 304. Each opening 304 is located on a flat surface of either a side of a ridge or a bottom surface of a channel. The rectangular shape of the openings allow as much of the flat surface to be cut with openings allow as much of the flat surface to be cut with openings as is possible while leaving enough solid area to remain to form a grid or lattice-like structure that will retain its shape and not break during normal use.

Once the panel is formed, the first layer 402, the second layer 404 and third layer 405 of wire mesh are heated and then bonded to the panel. The heating expands the wire mesh. After the wire mesh is bonded to the panel, it cools and contracts, thus tensioning the wire mesh. Tensioning helps to maintain uniformity of the wire mesh and to keep the first and second layers of wire mesh together during operation, thus giving the screen a finer cutting point. Tensioning the wire mesh also assists in conveying particles to the end of the screen. A slack screen will not convey particles as well, especially when heavily loaded.

Referring now to FIG. 43, a perspective view of a portion of a screen 400 shows a layer of wire mesh 562, which includes wire mesh webs 402, 404 and 405 (FIG. 42) bonded to panel 302. Should a tear develop in wire mesh layer 562, the wire mesh surrounding the tear is cut from around the opening 304 in which the tear occurs. A plug 564 is then inserted into the opening in the screen to seal the screen.

Referring now to FIG. 44 and 45, plug 564 is made of an elastic rubber or similar elastomeric material. Its width and length are very slightly larger than one of the openings 304. It has a flat top section surrounded on all sides by a skirt-like side edge 602. The side edge is adapted for enabling the plug to be manually inserted into one of the openings 304 and to seal securely against the side of the opening. The side edges have an outwardly tapering bottom section 604 and a channel 606. The tapering bottom section is sufficiently flexible enough to deflect inwardly under force of the edges of the opening when the plug is pushed into the opening. Deflection of the bottom of the sides pulls inwardly a lower edge of channel 606, thereby providing sufficient clearance to push the plug further down into an opening 304 to the point the upper edge of the channel engages the upper edge of the opening. The width of channel 606 is slightly larger than the thickness of the edge of an opening 304 (which includes the thickness of the panel and two layers of wire mesh). Therefore, the bottom tapering section 604 springs back, locking the plug into place and sealing it against the edges of the opening. Support ribs 608 provide lateral strength to the plug so that it does not deflect downward when loaded during operation, in a manner that would pull the top edge of the channel away from the edge of the opening and allow the load to force the plug through the bottom of the opening.

Referring to FIG. 46, the screen 400 is secured to a basket of a shaker (not shown) using cam latch 804. Latch 804 is secured to side wall 806 of the basket 802. A latching end of latching bar 808 extends through an opening in the wall to engage the top of screen and to force the screen against bracket 810. Handle 812 pivots about pin 814. U-bolt 816 is connected through rod 818. Rod 818 extends through handle 812. The other end of the U-bolt (not seen) is connected in a similar fashion to the other end of the rod so that the U-bolt is permitted to swing about rod 818 under the handle 812. When handle 812 is pivoted upwardly, the saddle of the U-bolt lifts up on latching bar 808, causing the latching bar to pivot about pin 820 and press against the screen. Pulling down on handle 812 lowers the saddle of U-bolt 816, permitting the latching bar to pivot counter-clockwise and release the screen. To assist in quickly replacing the screen, slot 822 allows pin 820 to be moved back and thus allows the latching member 808 to be pulled behind the side of the basket.

FIG. 48 shows a screen 900 like the screen 700 (FIGS. 39, 40) with a similar length and width (see FIG. 40), but with a somewhat different screen shape as viewed from the end (e.g. as in FIG. 39). The screen 900 has a first layer of wire mesh 902 and a second layer of wire mesh web 904 (shown apart from the frame prior to final assembly after which the meshes are on the frame. It is within the scope of this invention to use only one screening layer for any screen described herein or to use three or more layers. A frame 906 (like the frame of the screen 700) supports the mesh and/or screening layers. In one aspect the layers shown for the screen rest one on top of the other and in another aspect one or more or all of the layers are bonded together and in another aspect they are bonded to the frame across their entire surfaces or only around the periphery thereof. The frame 906 is configured and shaped to correspond to the corrugated shape or undulating shape of the layer(s) above it; alternatively the layer(s) may be made to correspond to the shape of the frame (as viewed on end as in FIG. 39). Ridges 908 have relatively elongated flat tops as compared to the length of the flat tops of the ridges of the screen 700 and flat valleys 912 of the frame 906 are relatively short as compared to the valleys of the screen 700. It is within the scope of this invention for the ridges and valleys to have any desired width or shape.

FIG. 49 shows a screen 920 like the screens 700 (FIGS. 39, 40) and 900 with a similar length and width (see FIG. 2), but with a somewhat different screen shape as viewed from the end. The screen 920 has a first layer of wire mesh 922, a second layer of wire mesh web 924 and a third layer of mesh or screening 928 (which are on the frame following final fabrication). A frame 926 (like the frame of the screen 900) supports the mesh and/or screening layers. In one aspect the layers shown for the screen rest one on top of the other and in another aspect one or more or all of the layers are bonded together and in another aspect they are bonded to the frame across their entire surfaces or only around the periphery thereof. The screens 900 and 920 may be used with or without straps (e.g. as the straps 714 and 716, FIG. 47). Individual cells of the screens 900 and 920 may be shaped as the individual cells of the screens of FIGS. 40 and 41 or they may be any desired shape, including but not limited to, oval, square, trapezoidal, or triangular (acute, obtuse, isosceles, congruent). The cells of the screens 900 and 920 are repairable as are cells of the previously-described screens.

FIG. 50 shows a plug 950 for plugging off a cell of a screen according to the present invention. The plug 950 has a body member 952 and ears 956 which project from legs 954 depending from the body member 952. The plug 950 is made from a resilient material so the legs 954 are bendable to permit the ears 956 to enter a cell to be repaired and then expand outwardly so the ears catch and hold on an edge of the cell.

It is within the scope of this invention to have a plug held in a cell by friction fit, any “snap fit” structure, welding or adhesive. A plug according may be any desired shape to fit in and mate with the shape of a cell. The plug may be solid or it may be solid with openings, holes or perforations therethrough. In one aspect in which a cell is not initially behind a torn screen area a cell or cells is placed at the torn area on one side of the screen and a plug is inserted into the cell from the other side of the screen to repair a torn area.

FIG. 51A shows a screen frame 500 according to the present invention with a plurality of spaced-apart strips 502 (made of any suitable metal or metal-like material) secured to and between spaced-apart sides 504. Each end 506 of each strip 502 is received and held in a recess 524 in a side 504. The recess 524 corresponds in shape to the shape of the end 506 and a shoulder 526 of each strip 502 abuts a side 504. The end 506 may be inserted into the recess 524 from the side (to the left in FIG. 51B) or from above or below. The top and bottom strips 502 (as viewed in FIG. 51A) each has two humps or ridges 553 (see FIG. 51C) which are located, sized, and configured to be received in corresponding corrugations of a corrugated plate and/or corrugated screen assembly. it is within the scope of this invention for each strip to have one, two, or a plurality of multiple humps or ridges. In one aspect there is one hump or ridge for each corrugation on a superimposed plate and/or screen assembly.

FIG. 52 (prior art) shows a strip interlocking structure which includes a bulb 505 at each end of a strip 503 (disposed in a frame as are the strips 502). The bulb 505 is in a recess 525 in a side 501 (like the sides 504). The bulb 505 is lifted out from the recess 525 for removal or inserted into it from below or above for installation. A frame with such strips is prior art.

FIG. 53 (prior art) shows a strip interlocking structure which includes a bulb 509 at each end of a strip 508 (disposed in a frame as are the strips 502). The bulb 509 is in a recess 530 in a side 507 (like the sides 504). The bulb 509 is lifted out from the recess 530 for removal or inserted into it from below or above for installation. An enlarged end 531 resides removably in a recess 532 and prevents the strip 508 from inadvertently moving out from the recess 530 to the side (to the left in FIG. 53). A frame with such strips is prior art.

FIG. 54 shows a pattern of triangular openings for a perforated plate 510 (made of metal or metal-like material) (shown partially) according to the present invention usable with any embodiment disclosed herein of a perforated plate or that employs a perforated plate. The openings 511 are positioned side-by-side in an array that extends across substantially all of a plate. The plate may be corrugated or flat or a combination thereof with alternating flat and corrugated portions.

FIG. 55 shows a typical pattern of triangular openings for a perforated plate 510 according to the present invention usable with any embodiment disclosed here of a perforated plate or that employs a perforated plate. Openings 513 are positioned side-by-side in an array that extends across substantially all of a plate. Openings 514 and 515 are spaced apart from each other slightly more than the middle openings of the plate 510 producing, in certain embodiments, stronger central plate portions 550. The plate may be corrugated or flat or a combination thereof with alternating flat and corrugated portions.

In the pattern of openings as in FIG. 55, the pattern is shifted slightly as compared to that of the plate 510 to optimize use of a screening surface. For example, a screen using the pattern in FIG. 54 and a web width (distance between two adjacent openings) of 0.125″, has a border of ¾″ on each edge. By shifting the triangle openings to the pattern of FIG. 55, a web width of 0.125″ may be maintained while decreasing the border. This allows more openings in the screen of FIG. 55 as compared to that of FIG. 54, increasing surface area and improving appearance.

In the pattern of FIG. 54, the openings are arranged in rows with bases and peaks alternating. The peak of one opening is even with the base of the next. In the pattern of FIG. 55 the openings 513 are moved closer together and the peaks of the openings 513 are not even with the base of the opening 514 or 515.

FIGS. 56 and 57 show a screen 530 according to the present invention with a corrugated support plate 540 (preferably made of metal) having a plurality of triangular openings 538 (not shown in FIG. 56; see FIG. 57) thereacross the surface of and therethrough; optional upturned edges 534 and 537 for anchoring the screen 530 to a vibratory shaker; wire mesh or meshes 539 secured to the plate 540; and plugs 536 at both ends (like previously described plugs) to plug ridge openings 532 at each end of the corrugations of the plate 540. The plate 540 rests on and is secured to a strip or strips 551 (alternately a frame of multiple strips crisscrossing the plate 540 or a series all in the same direction, or a perforated plate may be used). In one aspect the strip(s) 551 are deleted. The strips 551 may be made of any suitable material, including, but not limited to, metal, plastic, fiberglass, rubber, or cermet.

A screen according to the present invention (e.g. as those of FIGS. 51A-57) may be made without a plastic grid located between a lower plate and screen(s) or mesh(es) above the plastic grid. When screening material is bonded to a corrugated perforated plate (e.g. as in FIG. 57), thermal expansion puts the screening material in tension. Such a result is not produced when a plastic grid process is used. A metal corrugated perforated plate withstands tension induced thereon by screening material applied and/or bonded thereto. In one aspect the plate is first covered with adhesive (e.g. powdered epoxy) then the mesh(es) and/or screen(s) are placed on the plate. Upon curing of the epoxy, adhesive 541 covers or envelops part of the mesh/screen at the solid areas of the plate.

FIGS. 58-62 present a variety of configurations for corrugated perforated plates according to the present invention and/or for strips according to the present invention.

FIG. 58 shows a corrugated plate A on a support strip B having optional mounting hooks C.

FIG. 59 shows a corrugated plate D on a support strip E. optionally, mounting hooks may be used with such an assembly.

FIG. 60 shows a support strip F. A corrugated perforated plate may have such a configuration and mounting hooks may be used with the strips or with the plate.

FIG. 61 shows a support strip G. A corrugated perforated plate may have such a configuration and mounting hooks may be used with the strips or with the plate.

FIG. 62 shows a corrugated plate H on a support strip I having optional mounting hooks J.

Any mesh, meshes, screen, screens, screening material(s) or any combination thereof or any such as described herein may be used with any of the items shown in FIGS. 58-62.

FIG. 63A discloses one example of a typical prior art shaker system (e.g. as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,190,645). FIG. 63B shows a system 1200 according to the present invention with parts like those of the system of FIG. 63A; but with a shale shaker K having a screen or screens S according to the present invention (any screen or screens disclosed herein, including, but not limited to, those in FIGS. 65A-65H). The screen(s) S are mounted in a typical shaker basket B and one or more vibrators V (any known suitable shaker vibrator) vibrate the basket B and hence the screen(s) S.

FIGS. 64A-64D show a screen panel 1150 according to the present invention with two opposed spaced-apart sides 1151 and 1152 spaced apart by two opposed sides 1153, 1154 and by a plurality of strips 1155. Each pair of spaced-apart strips, with portions of the sides 1151, 1152 define an open space 1156 through the panel 1150. At each side 1153, 1154, a strip 1155 and a portion of the side 1153 and side 1154 define an open space 1157 through the panel 1150.

In one aspect the panel 1150 (and/or strips and/or sides) is made of any suitable metal, e.g. but not limited to iron, steel, stainless steel, zinc, zinc alloys, aluminum, and aluminum alloys. In another aspect the panel is made of any. suitable plastic, fiberglass, polytetrafluoroethylene cermet or composite. In one particular aspect the panel is made of 14 gauge cold rolled steel about 0.074 inches thick.

The openings in the panel may be made by any suitable method, including, but not limited to, drilling, sawing, high pressure water cutting, or laser cutting. In one particular aspect a panel of 14 gauge cold rolled steel about 0.074 inches thick is laser cut with a CO₂ laser producing very precise and well-defined open spaces and very precise and well-defined strips 1155, in one aspect with strips about 0.22 inches wide, about 1.3 inches apart from each other.

In other aspects, the strips 1155 may range in width between about 0.10 inches to about 3.00 inches and they may be spaced apart between about 0.2 inches to about 4.00 inches. In one particular screen with about 0.22 inch wide strips spaced about 1.3 inches apart, the panel is 14 gauge cold rolled steel about 46.75 inches long, about 35.86 inches wide, about 0.074 inches thick with end portions, as viewed from above, about 1.65 inches wide between the screen ends” outer edge and the edge of an open space. Alternatively, the strips 1155 may be vertically oriented as viewed in FIG. 64A and the panel 1150 may be corrugated.

Alternatively, the outer edges of the panel 1150 may be provided and the strips, as separate pieces, connected thereto in any manner, shape, or design as described above herein.

FIG. 64E shows a screen assembly 1160 according to the present invention with a panel 1150. A first mesh (in one aspect a fine mesh) 1161, e.g. 180 mesh, is bonded to a second mesh (in one aspect a backup mesh) 1162, e.g. 12 mesh which is then bonded to the panel 1150. In additional embodiments, the fine mesh may range between 14 mesh and 500 mesh and the backup mesh may range between 2 mesh and 30 mesh. Also, additional meshes may be used, including, but not limited to, any of the meshes and mesh combinations disclosed above herein, including the above-disclosed corrugated meshes in a flat configuration.

In other embodiments a backup mesh, middle mesh and a top mesh (in one aspect ranging between 100 mesh to 300 mesh) are used. In one aspect the backup mesh was 304 stainless steel 32 mesh with wire diameter of 0.045 inches, the middle mesh was 130 mesh 304 stainless steel with wire diameter of 0.0017 inches, and the top mesh was 304 stainless steel 180 mesh with a wire diameter of 0.0012 inches. A panel like the panel 1150 was coated with a powder coating (e.g. such as commercially available TK NOVO B Powder from Tuboscope Vetco) and bonded to the three meshes.

In other embodiments a backup mesh and a top mesh are used bonded together. In one aspect the backup mesh was 304 stainless steel 8 mesh with wire diameter of 0.025 inches, and the top mesh was 304 stainless steel 200 mesh with a wire diameter of 0.0021 inches. A panel like the panel 1150 was coated with a powder coating and bonded to the two meshes.

In other embodiments a backup mesh, middle mesh and a top mesh are used bonded together. In one aspect the backup mesh was 304 stainless steel calendared 8 mesh (with tops of ridges flattened) with wire diameter of 0.025 inches, and the top mesh was 304 stainless steel 180 mesh with a wire diameter of 0.0012 inches (or alternatively 200 mesh with a wire diameter of 0.0010 inches). A panel like the panel 1150 was coated with a powder coating and bonded to the three meshes.

FIGS. 64G-64P are top views of screen panels according to the present invention which have strips in various orientations and of various widths and spacing. Any panel, side, and/or strip depicted in these figures may be made of any material listed above for the panel 1150 and any strip in these figures may have the dimensions described for a strip 1155. Any screen, screens, mesh or meshes or mesh or screen combination described herein may be used with any panel in FIGS. 64G-64P and these panels may be flat, corrugated, or undulating as any such shape for a frame or panel disclosed herein and the screen(s) and/or mesh(es) thereon may have a shape corresponding to the panel shape.

FIG. 64G shows a panel PG with strips SG. FIG. 64H shows a panel PH with strips SH and one wider strip SQ. FIG. 64I shows a panel PI with vertically extending (as viewed in the figure) strips SI. FIG. 64J shows a panel PJ with vertical strips SJ and horizontally extending (as viewed in the figure) strips SS.

FIG. 64K shows a panel PK with vertical strips SK and horizontal strips ST. FIG. 64L shows a panel PL with vertical strips SL and slanted (as viewed in the figure) strips SV. FIG. 64M shows a panel PM with chevron shaped (as viewed in the figure) strips SM.

FIG. 64N shows a panel PN with slanted strips SN. FIG. 64O shows a panel PO with partially curved strips SO and optional horizontal strips SV.

FIG. 64P shows a panel PP with undulating curved (as viewed from above) strips SP.

Each panel in FIGS. 64G-64P has an outer frame FR to which some or all of the strips or attached or formed with. As in FIGS. 64J, 64K, and 64L, some of the strips are connected to other strips. Spaces between strips may be formed by cutting the strips, e.g. with a laser or other suitable tool or instrument. Any plastic grid disclosed herein may be configured and shaped to correspond to any panel disclosed herein.

FIGS. 65A-65C show a screen assembly 960 with a lower strip member 961 (including individual strips 962, 963), with four sides 962 (one shown), multiple cross-strips 963, upturned edges 964 (called an “L” hook; one shown in FIG. 65A). The entire screen 960 is shown in FIG. 65B and FIG. 65A shows a portion of the screen 960 in cut away revealing the various components. It is to be understood that the strip member, grid and screens cover substantially the entire screen assembly area as viewed in FIG. 65B.

A coarse screen 965 rests on the strip member 961. In one aspect, optionally, the strip member 961 is bonded to the coarse screen, e.g. with glue or epoxy. A plastic grid 966 is initially (prior to the bonding of the strip member to the coarse screen) interposed between the coarse screen 965 and a fine screen 967. By subjecting the grid/screen combination to heat (e.g. between heated plates or in an oven at 480° F. for five minutes to eight minutes) and, optionally, pressure (e.g. with weight on top of the combination and/or between plates pressed together with one or more pneumatic cylinders), the plastic fuses the screens together and permeates them, encapsulating wires where it is present. The screens, bonded together by the plastic, are then emplaced on the strip member and an adhesive is used to bond the strip member 961 to the screen combination. The upturned edge 964 (made, e.g. with a press brake) of the strip member 961 is bent up and over edges of the screens and plastic and this structure provides a hook strip apparatus for the connection of the screen assembly 960 to various shakers and vibratory separators that use hook-strip connection. A channel-shaped or “C” hook strip may be used instead of the “L” hook. Alternatively all the edges of the screen assembly may be relatively flat with no hook strip. The plastic grid can be placed initially above the fine screen(s), below the coarse screen(s), or between any two screen layers. Upon heating, the plastic flows to all layers above and/or below it bonding all layers together. Instead of a plastic grid any suitable plastic pieces or strips, or glue, may be used.

The coarse screen 965 may be any suitable coarse screen, including but not limited to, those disclosed herein. The fine screen 967 may be any suitable fine screen, including but not limited to, those disclosed herein. Two or more coarse screens may be used and two or more fine screens may be used. The strip member 961 may be any strip member disclosed herein or any frame or support with strips disclosed herein. The plastic grid 966 may be any plastic grid disclosed herein; any suitable polyurethane hot melt; and/or any plastic or plastic grid and bonding process associated therewith as in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,417,793; 5,868,929; 5,417,858; 5,417,859; 5,221,008; 4,575,421; 5,720,881; 5,636,749 and 5,330,057 which are incorporated fully herein for all purposes. The plastic grid 966 may be bonded to the screens by any suitable known cooking, curing, pressing, and/or cooling method, including but not limited to, methods as disclosed herein and/or in the patents listed above.

In certain particular preferred embodiments a screen assembly 960 either 36″×45½″ or 36″×64″ has screens as follows:

Coarse screen: ½″ openings, 88 mesh; ½″ openings flattop wire cloth

Mesh: 1 to 50; 19; 32; or calendared 12—in a square or oblong weave or any suitable weave

Material: steel; stainless steel; 304 SS; 314 SS; 316 SS

Fine Screen:

Mesh: 12 to 500; 200×125; 240×150; 280×180; 370×200 (In one aspect two fine screens, one 130 mesh, one 160 mesh or one 130 mesh and one 180 mesh)

Material: same as coarse screen or synthetics (e.g. nylon)

Plastic grid:

Type of plastic: polypropylene; polyethylene; nylon

Distance between centers: about 1.65″

Thickness: about 0.032 to 0.028 inches

Strip member:

Material: 14 gauge cold rolled steel (in one aspect less than fifteen percent carbon)

Distance between adjacent strips: about 1.29″ to 1.35″

Thickness: about 14 gauge

In one aspect a powdered epoxy is applied to the top of the strips and sides of the strip member and the screen(s) are then emplaced on top of the strip member. Instead of using a plastic grid 966, glue may be applied (e.g. automatically with a glue applying machine or with a glue gun by hand) to one of the screens in a desired pattern, e.g. but not limited to, to resemble any pattern of any grid disclosed herein. Alternatively a patterning roller may be used to so apply the glue in a desired pattern.

FIGS. 65D-65G are perspective views of various alternatives to the screen 960 of FIG. 65A (and the same numerals identify the same components as in the screen 960). A screen 970 in FIG. 65D is like the screen 960 but has no layer of coarse screen beneath the plastic grid 966. A screen 972 shown in FIG. 65E has a plastic grid 973 with openings 974 that differ in size from those of the grid 966. A screen 975 shown in FIG. 65F has cross-members 976 interconnecting strips 963. Crossmembers connect the outer most strips to the panel sides. A screen 977 shown in FIG. 65G has cross-members 978 interconnecting strips 963, some of which connect an outermost strip to a panel side. Cross members as in FIGS. 65G and 65H may be above the strips, below the strips, or at the same level as the strips. In one particular aspect, the cross members may be as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/344,145 filed Jun. 24, 1999 entitled “Vibratory Separator Operations And Apparatuses” which is incorporated fully herein for all purposes.

FIGS. 66A-66D show a screen assembly 980 according to the present invention that has a lower strip member 981 and a screen/plastic combination mounted on the lower strip member 981.

The screen/plastic combination includes a lower coarse screen 985 and two upper fine screens 988 a and 988 b. Fusing the screens together is a plastic grid 986 that initially is placed on the coarse screen 985 below the fine screens 988 a and 988 b, e.g. as shown in FIGS. 66A and 66D; but which, following heat treatment, permeates both screens fusing them together and encapsulating in plastic portions of wires in each screen. Any process described herein for applying plastic may be used instead of the plastic grid as shown and any heating process described herein may be used to fuse the screens together. Alternatively any glue and gluing process described above may be used instead of a plastic strip or plastic pieces.

The screen assembly 980 (as described for the screens of FIGS. 65A-65G) may have no coarse lower screen or one or more coarse screens and may have one, two, three or more fine screens.

As shown in FIG. 66A, it is within the scope of this invention to form and shape a plastic grid (or to apply plastic strips, plastic pieces, or glue) in such a way that areas of the intersection of lines of plastic (or lines of glue) such as the areas 987 are located above individual strips 983 of the lower strip member 981 or above a side 982 of the member 981.

A bent edge 984 provides a hook strip connection for those machines that use hook strip connectors. As shown the edge 984 is an “L” shaped hook strip, but. it is within the scope of this invention to use a channel shaped or “C” shaped hook strip instead of the “L” shape.

It is to be understood that the screen assembly as shown in FIGS. 66A and 66B show the plastic grid 986 as a separate member or separate material, not yet heated and pressed, which has not yet permeated the screen layers. The lower strip member 981 (including strips 989 a and 989 b) is adhered to the screen plastic combination as described above for the screen 960.

FIGS. 67A-67E show a screen assembly 990 according to the present invention that has a lower strip member 991 (with strips 991 a, 991 b and end pieces 991 c) and a screen/plastic combination mounted on the lower strip member 991.

The screen/plastic combination includes a lower coarse screen 995 and an upper fine screens 998 a and 998 b. Fusing the two screens together is a plastic grid 996 that initially is placed on the coarse screen 995 below the fine screens, e.g. as shown in FIGS. 67A and 67B; but which, following heat treatment, permeates both screens fusing them together and encapsulating in plastic portions of wires in each screen. Any process described herein for applying plastic may be used instead of the plastic grid as shown and any heating process described herein may be used to fuse the screens together. Alternatively any glue and gluing process described above may be used instead of a plastic strip or plastic pieces.

The screen assembly 990 (as described for the screens of FIGS. 65A-65G) may have no coarse lower screen or one or more coarse screens and may have one, two, three or more fine screens.

As shown in FIG. 67A, it is within the scope of this invention to form and shape a plastic grid (or to apply plastic strips, plastic pieces, or glue) in such a way that areas of the intersection of lines of plastic (or lines of glue) such as the areas 997 are located above individual strips 991 a or 991 b of the lower strip member 991 or above an end piece 991 c of the member 991.

A bent edge 994 provides a hook strip connection for those machines that use hook strip connectors. As shown the edge 994 is an “L” shaped hook strip, but it is within the scope of this invention to use a channel shaped or “C” shaped hook strip instead of the “L” shape.

It is to be understood that the screen assembly as shown in FIGS. 67A and 67B show the plastic grid 996 as a separate member or separate material, not yet heated and pressed, which has not yet permeated the screen layers. The lower strip member 991 is adhered to the screen plastic combination as described above for the screen 960.

FIGS. 68A-68D show a screen assembly 1000 according to the present invention that has a lower strip member 1001 (like the strip member 991, FIGS. 67A and 67E) with strips 1001 a, 1001 b and end pieces 1001 c and a screen/plastic combination mounted on the lower strip member 1001.

The screen/plastic combination includes a lower coarse screen 1005 and an upper fine screen 1008. Fusing the two screens together is a plastic grid 1006 that initially is placed on the coarse screen 1005 below the fine screen 1008, e.g. as shown in FIGS. 68A and 68B; but which, following heat treatment, permeates both screens fusing them together and encapsulating in plastic portions of wires in each screen. Any process described herein for applying plastic may be used instead of the plastic grid as shown and any heating process described herein may be used to fuse the screens together. Alternatively any glue and gluing process described above may be used instead of a plastic strip or plastic pieces.

The screen assembly 1000 (as described for the screens of FIGS. 65A-65G) may have no coarse lower screen or one or more coarse screens and may have one, two, three or more fine screens.

As shown in FIG. 68A, it is within the scope of this invention to form and shape a plastic grid (or to apply plastic strips, plastic pieces, or glue) in such a way that areas of the intersection of lines of plastic (or lines of glue) such as the areas 1007 are located above individual strips 1001 b of the lower strip member 1001 or above a strip 1001 b of the member 1001. Also plastic (or glue) lines, strips or pieces 1009 connect adjacent areas of intersection 1007 and the strips or pieces 1009 also are located above portions of the strips.

A bent edge 1004 provides a hook strip connection for those machines that use hook strip connectors. As shown the edge 1004 is an “L” shaped hook strip, but it is within the scope of this invention to use a channel shaped or “C” shaped hook strip instead of the “L” shape.

It is to be understood that the screen assembly as shown in FIGS. 68A and 68B show the plastic grid 1006 as a separate member or separate material, not yet heated and pressed, which has not yet permeated the screen layers. The lower strip member 1001 is adhered to the screen plastic combination as described above for the screen 960.

FIGS. 69A and 69B show a screen assembly 1010 like that of FIG. 65A, but with the addition of a top coarse screen 1015 that covers the entire area of an uppermost fine screen 967. (Like numerals in FIGS. 65A and 70 indicate the same item or component.) The coarse screen 1015 may be any desired mesh, e.g. but not limited to 20 mesh, 30 mesh, 40 mesh or 50 mesh. Such a top coarse mesh protects the finer screens, takes some of the solids loading off the lower screens (a scalping effect), catches sharp sand particles preventing them from wearing away fine screen(s), and inhibits or prevents solids from sticking to a top screen and pulling it up as a shaker vibrates. The coarse top screen 1015 may be fused together with the other screens below it in a plastic-heating-pressing process as described above. In certain preferred embodiments in which only a portion of a screen assembly (as viewed from the top) has the top coarse mesh on it, edges of the top coarse mesh are located so that they overlie a strip in a strip support member that is positioned under the lowermost coarse mesh layer. Any screen or screen assembly disclosed herein can have a top mesh as in FIG. 69A or a portion or portions thereof as in FIGS. 69C-69D.

FIGS. 69C, 69D and 69E show variations of the screen assembly 1010 in which only a portion of the upper most fine screen has a top coarse screen located above it. In FIG. 69C a coarse top screen portion 1016 is positioned at the back end of a screen assembly 1011 at which location fluid to be processed is introduced onto the screen assembly. In FIG. 69D a,coarse top screen portion 1017 is positioned at a front end of a screen assembly 1012 at which location material exits from the screen assembly. In FIG. 69E a screen assembly 1013 has both screen portions 1018 (like the screen portion 1016, FIG. 69C). and 1019 (like the screen portion 1017, FIG. 69D). Like numerals in FIGS. 69A and 69C-69E indicate the same item or component.

FIG. 70 shows a screen assembly 1020 like the screen assembly of FIG. 65A (like numerals indicate the same item or component), but with a second coarse mesh layer 1021 between the upper fine mesh or meshes and the lowermost coarse mesh. In one embodiment of a screen assembly 1020 the lower most coarse mesh 965 is a 12 mesh screen which is, optionally, calendared relatively flat, and/or with tops of ridges flat, or calendared no more than 30% of original height (original mesh thickness) and the mesh 1021 above the mesh 965 is a 30 mesh screen. The 30 mesh screen 1021 acts as a cushion between the lowermost coarse mesh 965 and the fine screen 967 or screens above the coarse mesh screen 1021. The mesh 1021 also is, preferably, flatter than the mesh 965 [and may be flatter than upper fine mesh screen(s)] and thereby inhibits injury to the upper fine screen (s) by the lowermost coarse mesh. Any screen or screen assembly disclosed herein can have a less coarse mesh interposed between a lower most coarser mesh and upper or fine screen or screens. Any two adjacent screens in any embodiment disclosed herein and/or any two screens with parts in contact may be sintered together at the points of contact instead of or in addition to any fusing with plastic described herein. Any screen or screen assembly disclosed herein may be used in a shaker or vibratory separator, e.g. but not limited to, as in FIGS. 14 and 63B.

The present invention, therefore, in some but not necessarily all embodiments, provides a screen assembly for a shaker or a vibratory separator, the screen assembly with at least one lower coarse screen member, at least one upper fine screen member above the at least one lower coarse screen member and fused with plastic to the at least one lower coarse screen member, and a strip member beneath and adhered to the at least one lower coarse screen member. Such a screen assembly may have one, some, or any possible combination of the following: wherein the at least one lower coarse screen member is two coarse screens, one on top of the other, either of the same mesh or of different mesh; wherein the strip member has a plurality of spaced-apart support strips of the same or of different width; wherein the support strips are made of a material from the group consisting of metal, plastic, fiberglass, rubber or cermet; wherein the strip member includes two spaced apart end pieces each at an angle to the plurality of spaced apart support strips, each of the plurality of spaced apart support strips having two spaced-apart ends terminating at, on, or in one of the two spaced-apart end pieces; wherein the at least one upper fine screen is two fine screens, one on top of the other of the same mesh or of different mesh; a fused plastic grid (made of plastic material, plastic pieces, or a single piece) fusing the at least one lower coarse screen member and the at least one upper fine screen member together, the fused plastic grid comprising a plurality of intersecting lines of plastic which intersect at a plurality of intersection areas; wherein a plurality of the intersection areas lie above one of a plurality of spaced-apart support strips which are included in the strip member; wherein each of the intersection areas lie above one of a plurality of spaced-apart support strips which are included in the strip member; wherein each intersection area on a particular support strip is connected to adjacent intersection areas above the particular support strip by an additional line of plastic; at least one secondary coarse screen or coarse screen portion disposed above the at least one upper fine screen member; wherein the at least one secondary coarse screen portion is two spaced-apart coarse screen portions; wherein the at least one secondary coarse screen portion is located at an area at which fluid to be treated is introduced onto the screen assembly; wherein the at least one secondary coarse screen portion is located at an area at which fluid to be treated exits from the screen assembly; wherein the at least one secondary coarse screen portion is defined by opposed spaced-apart edges, either both of which or at least one of which overlies a support strip of a plurality of spaced-apart support strips that are included in the strip member; wherein the at least one lower coarse screen member is at least partially sintered to the at least one upper fine screen member; wherein the at least one lower coarse screen member is sintered over substantially its entire area to the at least one upper fine screen member; and/or two spaced-apart hook strips (e.g. L shaped, C shaped, channel shaped—viewed on end) on opposite sides of the screen assembly.

FIG. 81 shows a system 1100 according to the present invention for making a screen 1102 according to the present invention by a method according to the present invention. As shown the system 1100 produces a screen 1102 which includes a lower coarse mesh or screen 1004, an intermediate mesh or screen 1106, and a top mesh or screen 1108. Any one of these meshes (or screens) 1104, 1106, 1108 may be deleted. Alternatively one or more additional mesh layers may be added.

The coarse mesh 1104 is initially wound on a roller 1111 from which it is unwound and passes over a rotating roller 1113. From the roller 1113 the coarse mesh moves to a position beneath a gluing station 1120 where glue in a pattern is applied on the coarse mesh 1104. In one aspect the coarse mesh is 19 mesh made of wire with a diameter of about 0.126 inches. Of course any suitable mesh may be used.

A pattern roller 1130 applies a layer of glue in a desired pattern onto the coarse mesh 1104. Glue 1140 from a reservoir/manifold 1150 flows to a space forming a “pond” of glue between a first roller 1115 and a transfer roller 1117. Either or both of these rollers may be a heated roller as is well known in the art. Alternatively, or in addition to heat from a heated roller or rollers, hot air from an optional heater H may be blown at the roller(s) and/or at the “pond”, and/or it may heat the glue in the reservoir/manifold 1150. The transfer roller 1117 rotates counter-clockwise as viewed in FIG. 81 and the first roller 1115 rotates clockwise; thus a film of glue is deposited on the outer surface of the transfer roller 1117 which film, in turn, contacts parts of a pattern in or on an outer surface of the pattern roller 1130 which rotates clockwise as viewed in FIG. 81. The film on the pattern parts of the pattern roller 1130 is applied in the pattern onto the coarse mesh 1104 moving beneath the pattern roller 1130. In another aspect, glue is applied on top of a combination of two, three, or more meshes prior to entering between the rollers 1161 (rather than on top of the coarse mesh when it comes off the roll 1111). In another aspect, the glue is applied only to the mesh from either the roll 1109 or the roll 1107.

An adjustable roller 1121, whose tension against the mesh is adjustable by moving the roller up/down, supports the coarse mesh 1004 with glue thereon. The coarse mesh 1104 with glue thereon in a desired pattern determined by the pattern on the pattern roller 1130 advances to a pressing station 1160. The intermediate mesh 1106 is fed between rollers 1161 and 1162 of the pressing station 1160 from a roll 1107 as is the top mesh 1108 from a roll 1109.

Between the rollers 1161, 1162, the three meshes are pressed together and the glue is pressed between all three meshes to bond them together. Optionally, coolant fluid from a coolant reservoir 1170 is pumped with a pump 1171 through one or both of the rollers 1161, 1162 to cool the mesh combination passing between the rollers 1161, 1162. The finished screen 1102 (including all three meshes and glue) exit from between the rollers 1161, 1162. Optionally, a fan or fans and/or air movers or other cooling device(s) 1174 may be used to cool the screen 1102.

The various meshes for the screen 1102 may be fed through the system 1100 by hand and the finished screen 1102 may be pulled by hand from between the rollers 1161, 1162 and/or one or more of the rollers in the system may be a driven roller, rotated by a motor appropriately connected to the roller for rotating it with desired speed and torque (e.g., but not limited to, motors 1164, 1165 driving rollers 1161, 1162). A suitable gearing system may be used interconnecting the motor and roller. In certain aspects one or more of the rolls and/or roller(s) are drive rolls and/or rollers which are rotated so that the mesh is moved through the system at a speed of between twenty and sixty feet per minute. In other particular aspects, the speed is about ten feet per minute. Any or all of the rolls and/or rollers may be coated with polytetrafluorethylene and/or plastic ceramic, or cermet material. By adjusting roll and/or roller rotation speed, e.g. with suitable brake and/or drag apparatus, tension can be maintained on the mesh or meshes to keep it or them sufficiently taut while moving through the system. Motor Systems M represent (schematically) rotating systems for the rolls and/or rollers. Any, some, or all of the systems M may be deleted.

Optionally, the finished screen 1102 may be wound onto a drum or roller 1179.

FIG. 82 shows a system 1100 a like the system 1100 of FIG. 81 and the numerals indicate like components. The system 1100 a does not have the gluing station 1120; but has a gluing apparatus for applying a desired pattern of glue to the coarse mesh 1104 that includes a glue reservoir/manifold 1125 from which glue is supplied to a plurality of glue nozzles 1126 (three shown). According to the present invention, a sufficient number of nozzles are used sufficiently spaced-apart and positioned to create a desired glue pattern on the coarse mesh 1104. The resulting screen 1103 is like the screen 1102 and optional parts of the system 1100 may be used in the system 1100 a. Other features of the system of FIG. 82 may be included in the system 1100 a.

In other embodiments, a fine mesh is unwound from the roll 1111 and fine, finer, or coarse mesh or meshes are unwound from the rolls 1107 and 1109.

FIG. 83 shows one embodiment for a pressing station 1167, like the pressing station 1160, with rollers 1168 and 1169. A spring 1166 biased between a support member 1155 and a roller shaft mount 1164 yieldingly urges the roller 1168 against a multi-mesh combination 1105.

The meshes 1104, 1106, and 1108 may be any mesh or screen disclosed herein. The glue 1140 may be any suitable glue, including, but not limited to, polyethylene glues and hot melt glues at a suitable temperature for flowing to and from a reservoir/manifold and onto a mesh, e.g., but not limited to at about 250° F., between 250° F. and 400° F., or at other suitable temperatures for the particular glue being used.

FIGS. 85A and 85B show a pattern roller 1180 useful as the pattern roller 1130 of the system 1100 in FIG. 81. Raised portions 1181 on an exterior surface 1182 of the pattern roller 1180 form the desired pattern for applying glue to a mesh. The roller 1180 is solid with end shafts 1183 for mounting to suitable supports for rotation. Any pattern roller disclosed herein may be solid with end shafts like the end shafts 1183. Alternatively, recesses, holes, or indentations in one or both ends of the roller may be used to mount the roller to an appropriate shaft, mount, or support. Any of the pattern rollers disclosed herein, and any other roller used in systems according to the present invention, including, but not limited to systems as in FIGS. 81-83, may be coated with polytetrafluoroethylene.

FIGS. 86A and 86B show a roller 1180 a like the roller 1180, but with a bore 1184 through the roller from one end to the other. Such a bored roller or “sleeve” may be installed on a common shaft or roller positioned as is the pattern roller 1130 in FIG. 81. With a plurality of such sleeves with different patterns-thereon, changing the system to produce a different glue pattern is greatly facilitated. Also, a worn or degraded sleeve is easily removed and replaced. Such sleeves also facilitate clean-up of the system.

It is within the scope of this invention for the roller 1180 (and any roller according to the present invention) to include only the raised portions 1181 with no body or structure therebeneath nor between pattern components so that the portions 1181 and ends of the roller not only define a pattern but also form a perforated tube or sleeve. Such a tube or sleeve may be made from a piece of solid stock by machining and/or laser cutting. Any pattern for a roller described herein may be formed by grooves or recesses in a roller surface rather than by raised portions on a roller surface.

FIGS. 87 and 88 present pattern rollers with patterns or raised portions different from that of the patterns of the rollers of FIGS. 85B and 86B. The rollers of FIGS. 878 and 88 may have any of the options of the rollers of FIGS. 85B and 86B (including, but not limited to end shafts 1183 and bore 1184, or a perforated tube structure). A roller 1185 in FIG. 87 has raised lines 1186 that define a pattern across the roller. A roller 1187 in FIG. 88 has raised portions 1188 and 1189 that define a pattern across the roller.

FIG. 89 shows a screen 1190 produced with a system like the system 1100 (FIG. 81) using a roller like the roller 1185 (FIG. 87). FIG. 90 shows a screen 1192 with a glue layer 1193 according to the present invention produced with a system like the system 1100 (FIG. 81) using a roller like the roller 1187 (FIG. 88). The screen 1192 is like the screens disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,575,421 (incorporated fully herein for all purposes), but made with a system according to the present invention and by a method according to the present invention. The screen 1192 has three layers of mesh or screening material 1156, 1157 and 1158 and a lower perforated plate 1154. Any of the layers of mesh may be deleted and the glue 1193 may be applied on top of any of the layers. In one aspect the plate 1154 is deleted. In one aspect the plate 1154 is deleted and any other support is used. The screen 1190 is like a screen disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. Des. 366,040 (incorporated fully herein for all purposes) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,159 (incorporated fully herein for all purposes). An optional frame 1190 a is used around the screen 1190.

FIG. 84A shows an enlargement of part of a pattern roller 1196 according to the present invention which is similar to the roller 1180 (FIG. 85B), but which has valleys, recesses or grooves 1197 in raised portions 1198 of the roller. Glue is received within the grooves 1197 so that a relatively higher or thicker level or bead of glue is applied to a mesh by the roller as compared to the layer or film of glue applied by a roller like the roller 1180. Any raised portion of any roller disclosed herein may include such a valley recess, or groove to increase the amount of glue applied on a mesh. In one aspect the grooves 1197 are between about one-thirtysecond to one-sixteenth inches deep and in one particular aspect are about one-sixteenth of an inch deep. Viewed on end in cross-section the grooves may be V or U shaped, square-shaped, trapezoidal, or semicircular. Optionally the roller 1196 has a bore through it (like the bore 1184, FIG. 86B) and holes are provided through the roller so that the roller's interior is in fluid communication with the grooves via the holes and glue can be flowed or pumped from the roller interior to the grooves to provide the glue for the pattern to be applied to the mesh. Alternatively, in embodiments in which the grooves are not used, holes are provided through the roller through the raised portions of a patterned surface. FIG. 84B shows a cross-section of one glue bead's B profile applied to a screen S with a pattern roller having grooves in raised portions of the pattern. The distance “a” is, in this embodiment, about one-sixteenth of an inch. Preferably the distance “b” is as thin as possible. It is within the scope of this invention to provide partial grooves or recesses in only a portion of the raised portions of a pattern rollers surface, e.g., but not limited to, only to the outer edges or only to the center, only to the edges and center, or only to certain spaced-apart portions on the roller to create a series of strips on the screen.

FIG. 91 shows a pattern roller 1200 according to the present invention which has raised pattern areas 1201 for forming a series of strips of glue on a screen or mesh or combination of layers thereof, including, but not limited to, a series of strips like the strips shown in FIG. 15A above. It is within the scope of this invention to use an appropriately configured pattern roller to form any series of strips (like any series of strips disclosed herein for a screen or panel) on a screen or mesh with glue as described above. It is also within the scope of this invention for the areas 1201 or parts of them to have grooves around their entire surface (grooves or recesses as described above) or in part of the surfaces. Such a roller with or without grooves may also have holes as described above for introducing glue from the interior of the roller to the grooves and/or to the raised areas. By using a roller like the roller 1200 with only the two outer raised portions 1201, two spaced-apart sides can be created on screen or mesh. By turning a piece of such screen or mesh ninety degrees and feeding it again through a gluing system according to the present invention, two additional spaced-apart sides are created so that all four sides of the screen or mesh are glued.

The present invention, therefore, provides in some, but not necessarily all, embodiments a method for making a screen assembly for a vibratory separator, the method including placing at least two layers of screening material adjacent one another one on top of the other, introducing an amount of glue to the at least two layers of screening material for adhering at least portions of them together, the amount of glue introduced to the at least two layers of screening material from a roller with a patterned surface thereon so that the amount of glue is introduced to the at least two layers of screening material in a pattern corresponding to a pattern of the patterned surface of the roller, the roller rotatably mounted adjacent the screening material. Such a method may include one or some (in any possible combination) of the following: wherein the at least two layers of screening material is three layers of screening material; wherein the at least two layers of screening material includes at least a first layer and a second layer, the first layer comprising coarse mesh and the second layer comprising fine mesh or vice versa; wherein the at least two layers of screening material comprises at least a first layer and a second layer, the first layer wound onto a first roll and the second layer wound onto a second roll, and the method also including unrolling the first layer from the first roll and unrolling the second layer from the second roll to place the layers adjacent each other; wherein prior to placing the layers adjacent each other the amount of glue is applied on the first layer; wherein the amount of glue is applied after the at least two layers of screening material are adjacent each other onto a topmost layer of the at least two layers; wherein the patterned surface comprises raised portions on the roller; wherein the raised portions have a groove therein for holding glue to be applied to the screening material in a pattern with a raised bead portion; wherein the roller with the patterned surface is a first roller and a second roller rotatably mounted adjacent the first roller receives glue from a glue reservoir and applies the glue onto the first roller; wherein a third roller is rotatably mounted adjacent the second roller so that a pond of glue is maintained between the second roller and the third roller and glue from the pond of glue is moved by the second roller to the first roller; wherein glue is flowed directly onto the first roller from a reservoir of glue; wherein the patterned surface comprises raised portions on the roller and the raised portions have a groove therein for holding glue to be applied to the screening material and wherein glue is flowed to an interior of the first roller from a reservoir of glue and wherein the interior of the roller is in fluid communication with the grooves via a series of holes so that glue is movable from the roller's interior, to the grooves, to the patterned surface on the roller; the method also including pressing together the at least two layers of screening material and the amount of glue; wherein the at least two layers are pressed together between two opposed rotatable rollers; wherein the glue is a hot melt glue and the method includes cooling the glue after it is introduced to the at least two layers of screening material; wherein at least one of the two opposed rotatable rollers is a driven roller; wherein coolant fluid is pumped through at least one of the two opposed rotating rollers to cool the glue; wherein the at least two layers of screening material include at least one first layer which is wound onto a first roll and unwound therefrom and which is supported on a plurality of rotatable rollers as it is unwound; wherein the roller is a bored roller which has a bore therethrough so that the bored roller is emplaceable over a common roller; wherein the roller with the patterned surface is a first roller, and at least a second roller is provided with a second patterned surface, the patterned surface of the first roller different from the patterned surface of the second roller; wherein each of the first roller and the at least a second roller have a bore therethrough so that either roller is emplaceable on a common shaft to apply its pattern to the screening material; wherein the first roll and the second roll are driven rolls; wherein the roller with a patterned surface is a driven roller; wherein the second roller is a driven roller; wherein the third roller is a driven roller; the method also including heating the amount or pond of glue or glue in the reservoir; wherein the first roll and the second roll are heated rolls; wherein the roller with a patterned surface is a heated roller; wherein the second roller is a heated roller; wherein the third roller is a heated roller; wherein the pattern extends over substantially the entire surface of the layers of screening material; wherein the raised portions with grooves are positioned on the pattern roller so that raised bead portions extend along spaced apart outer edges of the screen assembly. A screen assembly made by any method according to the present invention. A glue pattern produced by a system according to the present invention may be any desired pattern, including but not limited to, any pattern of any glue layer or of any panel or frame or series of strips disclosed herein and a pattern roller with a corresponding pattern thereon is used to produce such a pattern.

FIG. 92 shows a system 1300 according to the present invention for applying glue in a desired pattern to a screen or screens (or mesh or meshes) and can be used to produce any screen disclosed herein that employs glue or adhesive between two or more layers of screen(s) and/or mesh(es).

Hot glue for application to screen(s) or mesh(es) or combination thereof is supplied to nozzles 1301, 1302 from a glue apparatus 1310 through lines 1311, 1312, and 1313. Either of the nozzles may be deleted; or, as in the system of FIG. 82, more than two nozzles may be used. The line 1311 may be a heated line or a heated hose heated by optional heater apparatus 1319. Any suitable known glue system may be used in systems according to the present invention, including but not limited to hot glue systems which heat glue and then pump it to a flow line. In one particular aspect BulkMeter Applicators Model 5530, 5540, or 5506 commercially available from the Nordson Corporation of Amherst, Ohio may be used in systems according to the present invention (e.g. for the apparatus 1310 in the system of FIG. 92).

From a rotating roll 1304 a sheet of screen or mesh 1306 is unwound from the roll 1304 and moved over an idler roller 1308 to a position beneath the nozzles 1301, 1302 (or only one of them when one of them is deleted). A brake 1303 provides tension on the screen or mesh 1306 as it is pulled from the roll 1304. In certain aspects a roll of woven wire (screen or mesh) between e.g. 100 to 300 feet in length is rolled from the roll 1304.

The screen or mesh 1306 with a glue pattern deposited thereon (any glue disclosed herein) moves between a rotating stationary (with respect to vertical position) roller 1314 and rotating adjustable (with respect to vertical position) roller 1316. In certain aspects it is preferred that the rollers 1308, 1314 are as close together as possible. Any roller in the system or roll can be a “driven” roller or roll, e.g. powered by a motor with appropriate gearing, shafts, interconnections, etc., to pull the woven wire (screen or mesh) from the roll 1304. In one particular aspect the roll 1338 is a driven roll that pulls the woven wire from the roll 1304. The driven roll 1304 (or other driven roll or roller) can be rotated continuously as glue is deposited on the screen or mesh; or it can be drivingly rotated at intervals so that a desired portion of a layer of wire mesh is positioned beneath the nozzle(s) for glue pattern deposition. Following application of the desired glue pattern to the portion of the layer, the roll is again activated to remove the portion with the glue pattern and to position a new un-treated portion beneath the nozzle(s).

A second screen or mesh sheet 1318 unwound from a rotating roll 1320 and, optionally, a third screen or mesh sheet 1322 unwound from a rotating roll 1324, are also fed between the rollers 1314, 1316 between which all the sheets are pressed together. Brakes 1326, 1328 provide tension as desired on the rolls 1320, 1324, respectively. Pressure on the combination of sheets may be adjusted by adjusting the vertical position of the adjustable roller 1316. It is within the scope of this invention to make a screen with any desired number of layers, or sheets of screening material (screen and/or mesh), including, but not limited to a final screen product with one, two, three, four, five or more layers.

In certain aspects the adjustable roller 1316 is positioned so that the sheets moving between the rollers 1314, 1316 are bound together and part of the sheets are encapsulated in glue of the glue pattern. Either or both of the rollers 1314, 1316 can be a driven roller (e.g. driven with a motor M as in FIG. 81) to pull the various sheets between the rollers from their respective rolls. The rollers may act as heat sinks removing heat from the glue and/or cooling fluid may be circulated through one or both rollers to cool the glue.

Optionally a screen and/or mesh combination 1330 exiting from between the rollers 1314, 1316 may be cut to length as desired with a shear apparatus 1332 including a support 1334 and a shear device 1336; or the combination 1330 may be wound onto a roll 1338.

In one particular aspect the sheet 1306 is a layer of relatively coarse wire mesh (and, in certain embodiments, may be any coarse wire mesh disclosed herein); the sheet 1318 is a layer of medium wire mesh (and may be any medium wire mesh, e.g., but not limited, between 20 mesh and 250 mesh disclosed herein); and the sheet 1322 is a layer of fine wire mesh (and may be any fine wire mesh disclosed herein).

Any suitable known movement mechanism may be used to move the nozzle or nozzles above a layer of screen or mesh. One movement mechanism 1340 is shown schematically in FIG. 93A and includes a first bar 1341 at right angles to a second bar 1342 on which is movably mounted a glue nozzle 1344. The second bar 1342 has a finger 1345 that projects down into a guide channel 1343 of the first bar 1341. As the second bar 1342 moves with respect to the first bar 1341 the finger 1345 moves in the guide channel 1343 to guide the movement of the second bar 1342. The glue nozzle 1344 moves along the second bar 1342, e.g. a shaft 1346 projecting down from a knob 1347 moves in an elongated opening 1348 to guide movement of the glue nozzle 1344 with respect to the second bar 1342. Appropriate movement of the second bar 1342 with respect to the first bar 1341 and simultaneously of the glue nozzle 1344 with respect to the second bar 1342 makes possible the application of a glue bead in a desired pattern on a screen or mesh below the nozzle 1344. One, two, three, four or more glue nozzles may be movably mounted on the second bar; or a plurality of glue nozzles each with its own movement mechanism may be used. Alternatively, and for any embodiment disclosed herein, the layer or layers of screening material may be moved below fixed nozzle(s) to produce a desired glue pattern thereon. For example a portion of a roll of mesh to have a glue pattern deposited thereon is placed on a movable and indexable table or other suitable support with a nozzle or nozzles mounted thereabove.

FIG. 93B shows a system 1380 according to the present invention with two nozzle movement mechanisms 1381, 1832 (like the mechanism of FIG. 93A) each with a nozzle AA and a nozzle BB respectively. In one method according to the present invention, nozzle AA is moved from the indicated position 1 to a new position 2, depositing a first glue bead on the screen or mesh 1306 (like that in FIG. 92) along a path from position 1 to position 2. The nozzle BB is moved (and may be moved before the nozzle AA is moved) from its initial position 4 to a new position 5, depositing as it moves a glue bead on the screen or mesh 1306 along the path from position 4 to position 5. The screen or mesh 1306 is then moved a predetermined increment (to the right or to the left as viewed in FIG. 93B) and nozzle AA is moved back to position 1 (depositing a new glue bead on the screen or mesh as it moves, the new glue bead spaced-apart from the first glue bead) and, similarly, the nozzle BB moves back to position 4 depositing a corresponding glue bead. Alternatively, both nozzles may move on to a subsequent position (instead of moving back to positions 1 and 4, respectively); position 3 for nozzle AA and position 6 for nozzle BB. It is within the scope of this invention for the nozzles to then move back to their initial positions following a movement or indexing of the screen or mesh, depositing a new glue bead when traversing the screen or mesh in the reverse direction (or not depositing a glue bead). The position 1 to 2 to 3 (nozzle AA) and position 4 to 5 to 6 (nozzle BB) movements can then be repeated. Alternatively only one of the nozzles may be used, moving to a second position and, optionally, on to a third position, and, optionally, then back to the second and then the first position. Although the nozzle paths shown in FIG. 93B are substantially straight it is within the scope of this invention for either or both paths to be curved, zig zag, or wavy as viewed from above.

Typically a deposited glue bead has a width as viewed from above of between {fraction (3/64)}ths and {fraction (3/32)}nds of an inch, and, in one particular aspect this width is about {fraction (1/16)} inch. In certain aspects the distance of a glue nozzle above a layer of screen or mesh is between ⅜ inch to ⅝ inch and the nozzle (or nozzles) are moved at a rate of 4 to 6 feet per minute (or the layer of screen or mesh is moved below a stationary nozzle or nozzles at this rate).

FIG. 94 shows a system 1350 according to the present invention like the system of FIG. 92 in which the nozzles 1301, 1302 are initially positioned on opposite sides of a stationary portion of a layer of screen or mesh 1306. Nozzle 1301 moves from a position A to a position B laying down a glue bead X and then reverses direction and moves from position B to position C laying down a glue bead Y. Simultaneously the nozzle 1302 moves from a position D to a position E laying down a glue bead P and then reverses direction and moves to a position F laying down a glue bead Q. As these movements of the nozzles are repeated a pattern R of glue is deposited on the screen or mesh 1306. When the nozzles have covered the desired portion of the layer of screen or mesh with the desired pattern, the layer is moved beneath the nozzles so that they are then positioned above a new layer portion to which the pattern is to be applied. Once the new portion is correctly positioned, the nozzles begin applying the glue pattern as before. Alternatively, the screen or mesh also moves below the nozzles as the glue is being dispensed.

FIG. 95 shows a system 1360 according to the present invention like the system of FIG. 92 with a single glue nozzle 1361 that dispenses a glue bead onto. the screen or mesh 1306 and moves from a position G, to a position H, then to a position I, to a position J, and then to a position K. By repeating this cycle of movement a pattern S of glue is applied to the screen or mesh 1306. When the desired pattern has been applied to a portion of the screen or mesh 1306, the glue flow is (optionally) shut-off, the screen or mesh 1306 is moved beneath the nozzle 1361 so that glue may be applied to another portion of the screen or mesh 1306. Alternatively, the layer of screen or mesh 1306 also is moved beneath the nozzle 1361 as glue is being applied thereto; or, in another aspect, following nozzle movement (e.g. from points G to H to I) the screen or mesh is moved (e.g. indexed a desired distance) below the nozzle and then the nozzle is moved in a reverse path (e.g. from points I to J to K).

FIG. 96 shows a system 1370 according to the present invention like the system of FIG. 92 with a bank of a plurality of glue nozzles 1372 and a glue nozzle 1371. The bank of nozzles 1372 applies a plurality of glue beads 1373 to the screen or mesh 1306. The nozzle 1371 moves above the screen or mesh 1306 to apply a plurality of glue beads 1374, producing a pattern T of glue on the screen or mesh 1306. Either the bank of nozzles is moved with respect to the layer of screen or mesh 1306, or the layer is moved below the bank of nozzles, or both. It is also possible to move the entire bank of nozzles at an angle to the direction of movement of the layer of screen or mesh 1306. Also, a bank of nozzles may be used on the side of the layer 1306 instead of a single nozzle like the nozzle 1371.

FIGS. 97A-97D show possible glue patterns that may be applied by systems according to the present invention (including, but not limited to, systems as in FIG. 93, FIG. 93B and FIGS. 94-96). These patterns can be achieved by appropriate control of rate of movement of the screen or mesh and/or by the rate and/or direction of travel of the nozzle(s). In FIGS. 97A-97D, angle measurements are in degrees (either “°” or “deg”), length measurements are in inches (“inches” or “in” or a number, e.g. FIG. 97A “1.38” is 1.38 inches) and area measurements (“sq. In.”) are in square inches. It is also within the scope of this invention: to substitute any patterning roller described herein for any bank of nozzles (e.g. but not limited to the bank of nozzles in the system 1370); to substitute any patterning roller described herein for any nozzle in any system in FIGS. 92-96; and to use a roller to deposit any glue bead deposited by any nozzle in any system in FIGS. 92-96.

As with other systems described herein, the cooling of hot glue deposited by a nozzle or nozzles can be effected by the use of one or more fans or coolers and/or by circulating cooling fluid through one or more rollers and/or rolls that contact and/or are adjacent hot glue.

The present invention, therefore, provides in some, but not necessarily all, embodiments a method for making a screen assembly for a vibratory separator, the method including placing a first layer of screening material below a glue application apparatus, and applying with the glue apparatus an amount of glue in a pattern to a portion of the first layer of screening material. Such a method may have one or some (in any possible combination) of the following: wherein the first layer of screening material comprises coarse mesh; wherein the first layer of screening material is removably wound onto a first rotatable roll, the method including unrolling the first layer of screening material from the first roll and positioning a portion of the first layer beneath the glue application apparatus; wherein a second layer of screening material is removably wound onto a second roll, the method further including unrolling part of the second layer from the second roll and positioning the part of the second layer adjacent part of the first layer to which glue has been applied, and moving the part of the second layer and the part of the first layer between opposed rotatable spaced-apart rollers to press together the part of the second layer and the part of the first layer to form a pressed together layer of first and second layers of screening material; continuously moving the second layer and the first layer between the opposed spaced-apart rollers producing a continuous sheet of pressed together screening materials; cutting the continuous sheet of pressed together screening material to form sub-sheets of pressed together screening material; wherein the amount of glue is heated and the method further including cooling glue in the continuous sheet of pressed together screening material, and winding the continuous sheet of pressed together screening material onto a third roll; wherein the amount of glue is heated and the method further including cooling glue in the pressed together layer; unrolling part of the third layer from the third roll and positioning the part of the third layer adjacent part of the first and second layers, and moving the part of the third layer and the parts of the first and second layers between the opposed rotatable spaced-apart rollers to press them together to form a pressed-together layer of first, second and third layers of screening material; continuously moving the layers between the opposed spaced-apart rollers producing a continuous sheet of pressed-together screening materials; cutting the continuous sheet of pressed-together screening material to form sub-sheets of pressed-together screening material; wherein the amount of glue is heated and the method further including cooling glue in the continuous sheet of pressed-together screening material, and winding the continuous sheet of pressed together screening material onto a third roll; wherein the amount of glue is heated and the method further including cooling glue in the pressed-together layer; wherein the glue application apparatus includes at least one glue dispensing nozzle and apparatus for providing hot glue to the at least one glue dispensing nozzle for application in the pattern onto the first layer of screening material; wherein the at least one glue dispensing nozzle is a plurality of spaced-apart glue dispensing nozzles; wherein the glue dispensing apparatus has at least one glue dispensing nozzle and the method further including moving the at least one glue dispensing nozzle above the first layer of screening material to form the pattern of glue thereon; wherein the glue dispensing apparatus has at least one glue dispensing nozzle and the method further including moving the first layer of screening material beneath the at least one glue dispensing nozzle to form the pattern of glue on the first layer of screening material; wherein the glue dispensing apparatus has at least one glue dispensing nozzle and the method further including moving the at least one glue dispensing nozzle above the first layer of screening material to form the pattern of glue thereon, and moving the first layer of screening material beneath the at least one glue dispensing nozzle to form the pattern of glue on the first layer of screening material; the first layer is coarse mesh, and the second layer is medium mesh; the first layer is coarse, the second layer is medium mesh, and the third layer is fine mesh; wherein the pattern forms a series of a plurality of adjacent similarly-shaped repeating closed shaped with an open central area and glue bead sides, said series extending across substantially all the portion of the first layer of screening material to which glue is applied in the pattern; wherein each closed shape comprises a four-sided figure as viewed from above; wherein the four-sided figure is a parallelogram; wherein the parallelogram has interior angles of about 60°, 60°, 120° and 120°; wherein the four-sided figure is a rectangle; wherein the four-sided figure is a square; wherein at least one of the two opposed rotatable spaced-apart rollers is a driven roller; and/or heating the amount of glue.

The present invention, therefore, provides in at least certain aspects, a screen assembly made by any of the methods described above according to the present invention.

In conclusion, therefore, it is seen that the present invention and the embodiments disclosed herein and those covered by the appended claims are well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends set forth. Certain changes can be made in the subject matter described, shown and claimed without departing from the spirit and the scope of this invention. It is realized that changes are possible within the scope of this invention and it is further intended that each element or step recited in any of the following claims is to be understood as referring to all equivalent elements or steps. The following claims are intended to cover the invention as broadly as legally possible in whatever form its principles may be utilized. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for making a screen assembly for a vibratory separator for treating fluid containing liquid, the method comprising placing a first layer of screening material below a glue application apparatus for applying heated initially flowable hot melt glue, the first layer of screening material made of metal, and comprising a first metal mesh through which liquid in the fluid is passable and having a first metal mesh pattern, the first layer of screening material having a top surface with a length and a width, applying with the glue apparatus an amount of heated hot melt glue in a pattern to the top surface of the first layer of screening material, the pattern of applied glue comprising continuous lines of glue extending across the length and the width of the top surface and the pattern of glue being different from the first metal mesh pattern, positioning a second layer of screening material adjacent and in contact with the first layer to which glue has been applied gluing together the first layer and the second layer, the second layer of screening material made of metal and comprising a second metal mesh through which liquid in the fluid is passable.
 2. A method for making a screen assembly for a vibratory separator for treating fluid containing liquid, the method comprising placing at least two layers of screening material below a glue application apparatus for applying heated initially flowable hot melt glue, the at least two layers including at least a first layer and a second layer, the first layer of screening material made of metal, and comprising a first metal mesh through which liquid in the fluid is passable and having a first metal mesh pattern, the first layer of screening material removably wound onto a first rotatable roll, unrolling a first part of the first layer of screening material, wherein the first part is made of metal wire in a metal mesh pattern extending across the first part, from the first roll and positioning said first part of the first layer below the glue application apparatus, the first part of the first layer of screening material having a top surface with a length and a width, applying with the glue apparatus an amount of heated hot melt glue in a pattern to the top surface of the first part of the first layer of screening material, the pattern comprising continuous lines of glue extending across the length and the width of the top surface and the pattern of glue being different from the first metal mesh pattern, wherein the second layer of screening material is removably wound onto a second roll, the second layer of screening material made of metal and comprising a second metal mesh through which liquid in the fluid is passable, the method further comprising unrolling part of the second layer from the second roll, said part comprising a second part and positioning the second part of the second layer adjacent the first part of the first layer to which glue has been applied gluing together the first part and the second part, and moving the second part of the second layer and the first part of the first layer between opposed rotatable spaced-apart rollers to press together the second part of the second layer and the first part of the first layer to form a pressed together layer of screening material, cooling said glue in the pressed together layer of screening material, and cutting the pressed together layer of screening material to form a sub-sheet of cooled pressed together screening material, attaching a metal support to the sub-sheet of cooled pressed together screening material, the metal support for supporting the sub-sheet so that the metal support and the cooled sub-sheet together form a screen assembly for a vibratory separator, the metal support an integral metal support structure for the screen assembly.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the glue dispensing apparatus has at least one glue dispensing nozzle and the method further comprising moving the at least one glue dispensing nozzle above the first part to form the pattern of said glue thereon.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the glue dispensing apparatus has at least one glue dispensing nozzle and the method further comprising moving the first part beneath the at least one glue dispensing nozzle to form the pattern of said glue on the first part.
 5. Th method of claim 2, wherein the glue dispensing apparatus has at least one glue dispensing nozzle and the method further comprising moving the at least one glue dispensing nozzle above the first part of screening material to form the pattern of said glue thereon, and moving the first part beneath the at least one glue dispensing nozzle to form the pattern of said glue on the first part of screening material.
 6. The method of claim 2, wherein the first part is coarse mesh, and the second part is medium mesh.
 7. The method of claim 2, wherein at least one of the two opposed rotatable spaced-apart rollers is a driven roller.
 8. The method of claim 2, wherein the glue application apparatus includes at least one glue dispensing nozzle and apparatus for providing hot melt glue to the at least one glue dispensing nozzle for application in the pattern onto the first part of the first layer.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the at least one glue dispensing nozzle is a plurality of spaced-apart glue dispensing nozzles.
 10. The method of claim 2, wherein the at least two layers of screening material includes a third layer of screening material, the third layer removably wound onto a third roll, the third layer of screening material made of metal, the method further comprising unrolling part of the third layer from the third roll, said part comprising a third part, and positioning the third part of the third layer adjacent the first part and the second part, and moving the third part of the third layer and the first part and the second part between the opposed rotatable spaced-apart rollers to press them together to press together the first, second and third parts, moving the third part between the opposed spaced-apart rollers with the first part and the second part producing the pressed-together layer of screening material.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the sub-sheet of pressed-together screening material includes the third part.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the first part is coarse mesh, the second part is medium mesh, and the third part is fine mesh.
 13. The method of claim 2, wherein the pattern forms a series of a plurality of adjacent similarly-shaped repeating closed shapes with an open central area and glue bead sides, said series extending across substantially all the first part to which glue is applied in the pattern.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein each closed shape comprises a four-sided figure as viewed from above.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the four-sided figure is a rectangle.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the four-sided figure is a square.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the four-sided figure is a parallelogram.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the parallelogram has interior angles of about 60°, 60°, 120° and 120°. 